Fansided

Pacers identify top two free agent targets

By Rucker Haringey

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 20: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies stands on the court during the first half of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on January 20, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 20: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies stands on the court during the first half of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on January 20, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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The Indiana Pacers need to acquire a top-flight wing via free agency. Either of their top two summer targets could fill the team’s void.

The Pacers were one of the NBA’s most surprising teams last season, but they won’t sneak up on anyone next year. That means Indiana will need to strengthen its roster this summer if it wants to continue to climb up the Eastern Conference standings.

Fortunately, Indiana’s front office seems to have a firm understanding of what the team’s biggest priority in free agency must be. Reports claiming the team has zeroed in on Tyreke Evans and Will Barton as their top two targets make it clear that signing a scoring wing is a massive priority.

Evans had a terrific season going for the Memphis Grizzlies before he was benched in anticipation of being traded at the deadline. He suffered an injury soon after his return and didn’t finish the season nearly as strong as he began it. Even so, he averaged over 19 ppg and posted an impressive PER of 21.1 for the season. His perimeter shooting would help the Pacers spread the floor when playing alongside Victor Oladipo and give the bench scoring punch when Oladipo is getting some rest.

Barton wasn’t quite as productive for the Nuggets, but he still would provide the Pacers many of the same qualities as Evans. He isn’t as strong as Evans off the dribble, but he is the quicker of the two players. Historically he’s also been the better shooter of the two, but Evans did have an outstanding season last year from behind the arc.

It will be interesting to see if the Pacers can create enough cap space to offer either player a contract north of the mid-level exception. If they can, they’ll be in strong position to sign one of the talented wings. If not, they will face intense competition in their efforts to acquire either player.

Next: NBA Free Agency: 5 most overrated players

Expect Evans and Barton to be popular players on the free agency circuit this summer. The Pacers have identified both of them as top targets, but they won’t face a clear run at signing either veteran.

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