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NBA Free Agency: Grading all 30 teams on signings and trades

By Josh Cornelissen

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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. /
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NBA Free Agency
NBA free agency Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images /

2021 NBA Free Agency Grades: Indiana Pacers

Key Additions: Torrey Craig (2-yr, $10 million)

Brought Back: TJ McConnell (4-yr, $35 million)

Key Departure: Doug McDermott (San Antonio)

The Indiana Pacers are not a franchise that likes to make big splashes in free agency. They have, at times, such as signing Malcolm Brogdon away from the Milwaukee Bucks a few seasons ago. Usually, they develop their own mid-round picks, make smart signings and trades on the margins, and trust in continuity and the long game to keep them competitive.

That same plan was enacted this summer. The Pacers brought back one of their two primary free agents in TJ McConnell, a defensive culture-setter at point guard; his contract isn’t a value but it isn’t onerous either. While Doug McDermott’s market was lucrative and he left for San Antonio, the Pacers feel they replaced him in the draft with Chris Duarte at pick No. 13. Torrey Craig represents a defensive stopper on the wing to give them a different look with their current options.

The Pacers are flush with centers, with two fringe All-Stars and two more recent first-round picks. They might look to trade one of them, with Myles Turner more often connected to trade rumors. Barring such a move, this roster might be set.

Grade: B-

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