NBA Trade Deadline 2016: Grading every team’s moves

Indiana Pacers

In my estimation, it really felt like the Indiana Pacers could have improved their team by making a trade or two at the 2016 NBA Trade Deadline. They’ve been a pleasant surprise this season and seem like they are a talented wing or shake-up away from really competing with the Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at the top of the Eastern Conference. However, the Pacers apparently didn’t see it that way.

The Pacers ultimately decided not to make any moves at the trade deadline and, quite frankly, they never even really appeared to be all that close. Granted, not everything that happens between front offices behind closed doors gets leaked to the media, but the perception is at least that they were fine just rolling with the current lineup. While they’re smart for not overreacting to trying to make a run, I maintain that a minor move or two could’ve benefitted the team.

However, the Warriors cast a long shadow; you have to wonder if, even though in a different conference, Golden State’s dominance factored in the Pacers’ inactivity at the deadline.

Grade: C

Next: Clippers