Miami Heat rumors: Indiana Pacers' David West a trade target?

Prior to Paul George’s season ending injury in Las Vegas last week, the Indiana Pacers were expected to be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference yet again. But with George sidelined there are questions as to what’s next for the Pacers.

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While the Pacers will still likely be a solid team without George, their chances to compete for an NBA title drop significantly and some have speculated that a quick re-build/re-tool may be in order.

If such is to happen, one of the first players likely to be shipped out due to age and salary is that of David West. Might the Miami Heat have interest in the veteran power forward if he’s put on the block? It certainly seems intriguing, at least according to Nate Duncan of Basketball Insiders who hints the Miami Heat could be a potential destination if a fire sale is to go down.

"His 2 year contract fits their timeline of trying to reload again in 2016. And with the 150% salary matching rule they could easily assemble salary to trade for him. But really the only asset they could send in return would be Shabazz Napier or a future first-rounder. Is that return worth giving up for the Pacers? Perhaps so. West’s is probably a little overpaid this year, and likely quite overpaid next year, but he can still help a team especially if he decides he wants to shoot some threes."

West is due $12 million this year and owns a $12 million dollar option for the 2015-16 season which he’s likely to exercise, though as Duncan notes, his contract comes off the book in time for the Miami Heat to be free agent players once again.

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Miami Heat rumors: Indiana Pacers’ David West a trade target?

By Bryan Rose | Aug 5, 2014