Grade the Trade: Mavericks land elite center and shooter in mock blockbuster deal

Grading the trade for the Indiana Pacers

In this presumed deal, Indiana gets off two massive contracts while also obtaining three smaller contracts that keep them competitive. Indiana has a prime opportunity this season to make the playoffs for the first time in a few seasons. However, making this deal keeps them in play-in contention while also acquiring future draft assets.

The Pacers already have the piece they want to build around in Tyrese Haliburton. Surrounding Haliburton with pieces that compliment his playstyle and don't take the ball away from his hands should be important for Indiana, and in this deal, they do exactly this.

Additionally, surrounding head coach Rick Carlisle with familiar faces could prove to be very positive for schemes and overall locker room control. Having Hardaway Jr. under his wing once again could only benefit Carlisle and Haliburton as they race for the playoffs.

Holmes and Kleber will lock down the center positions for an already rich center rotation. The Pacers have compiled quite the frontcourt rotation with signings like Daniel Thies, and Jarace Walker who was their seventh overall pick in this latest NBA Draft.

Getting off Turner's contract and acquiring two bigs who are relatively healthier than Turner could be just what the Pacers need to make a late-season playoff push. Many expect the Pacers to be an underwhelming team once again. But, getting involved in a trade with the Mavericks could push them over that hump, while also obtaining a valuable future draft asset.

Potential starting lineup: Tyrese Haliburton, Tim Hardaway Jr., Benedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, Jalen Smith