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3 Under-the-radar trade deadline deals that could pay off in the long run

By Holden Walter-Warner

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 10: Mike Muscala #57 of the Boston Celtics runs up the court during the first quarter of a game against the Charlotte Hornets at the TD Garden on February 10, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 10: Mike Muscala #57 of the Boston Celtics runs up the court during the first quarter of a game against the Charlotte Hornets at the TD Garden on February 10, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) /
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Jordan Nwora (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Jordan Nwora (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

F Jordan Nwora, picks to Indiana Pacers

The Jordan Nwora trade was one of the more complex transactions to take place at the deadline. After all, it’s part of the same transaction that sent Kevin Durant to Phoenix.

Here’s what the Indiana Pacers got out of that trade: Nwora, George Hill, Serge Ibaka, a second-round pick in each of the next three drafts, and cash. The only thing Indiana parted with was the draft rights to Juan Vaulet, who may never play in the NBA. The Pacers also needed to waive Terry Taylor, James Johnson, and Goga Bitadze to make it work.

While Hill and Ibaka are both perfectly serviceable veterans, they are not long-term answers for a Pacers team that is battling for a play-in spot this season. The picks and the prospects may be, though.

Nwora was a star in college, but that hasn’t translated to the NBA (it doesn’t for most, mind you). Still, he’s been consistent off the bench for the Milwaukee Bucks and made a few appearances during the team’s playoff run in his rookie season, when the Bucks won a title.

The versatile player brings little risk and could prove to be a pivotal scorer off the bench. Plus, he’s only 24 years old, so there’s still the chance for a payoff in the long run.

Then there are the selections. Sure, first-round picks are more valuable than second-round picks, but every selection is just a dart throw. The Pacers now have several more opportunities to find players who could become part of their next contending core in the next few years.

The Pacers are in this rebuild for the long haul, but they’re starting to get some pieces into place. Tyrese Haliburton and Benedict Mathurin seem like long-term answers, and Myles Turner just received an extension. This trade should help create more sustainable success in the long run.

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