NBA Free Agency 2023: 3 landing spots for Khris Middleton you never thought of
By Jakob Ashlin
Wild-card landing spots for Khris Middleton: 1. Indiana Pacers
If the Pacers want to compete, this actually makes a lot of sense.
Indiana’s roster is severely underrated. Guards Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin have legitimate superstar potential, while veterans Buddy Hield, Myles Turner, and T.J. McConnell are reliable starting-level players. Young players Andrew Nembhard and Jarace Walker carry upside, as well.
When Haliburton and Turner were active, the Pacers quietly had a 26-22 record last season. If healthy, the Pacers could be a playoff team this season. Why not make a big move with both Haliburton and Mathurin still on rookie contracts?
Middleton could slide seamlessly into the starting lineup. A five-man lineup of Haliburton, Mathurin, Hield, Middleton, and Turner could make the Pacers a real threat in the Eastern Conference.
The Pacers can get $34.721 million in cap space by renouncing cap holds for George Hill, James Johnson, Lance Stephenson, Gabe York, and Kendall Brown and waiving/stretching Daniel Theis.
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