The Indiana Pacers managed to sneak a last second trade in before the deadline when they sent Danny Granger to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Evan Turner. Granger's numbers have not been the same over the past few seasons and an injury did not help the cause. While the Pacers see this move as a way to beat the Miami Heat, some players are not thrilled he is gone.
Paul George wants to win a championship, but he does not seem to be pleased that it is coming at the expense of one of his teammates. The forward took to Instagram to post of a photo of he and Granger with the comment, "On a serious note upset day for me losing a big brother and mentor hate to see him leave us..You helped me so far along the way big bro! Still one of my toughest match ups. Nothing but love for you geezy."
Granger has been a teammate of George's ever since he entered the league. The veteran took him under his wing and has played a role in helping George become one of the best players in the league. However, acquiring Turner is an upgrade for the Pacers and could help the team make their way through the Eastern Conference and possibly past the Miami Heat.
ESPN's Tom Haberstroh points out that Turner will not be asked to be a workhorse like he was in Philadelphia. The Pacers intend to help the 25-year-old develop into his full potential while not rushing him into a position. Turner was putting up a career-high 24.2 percent usage rate as his scoring average also hit career highs. He will no longer be expected to bare that burden as he can work in as a rotational player with the Pacers. Indiana will use Turner as the anchor coming off the bench which could really help his numbers and development.
Granger might now be a member of the 76ers, but it might not stay that way for long. Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders points out that he is a candidate for a contract buy out which could make Granger a free agent earlier than expected. If that does happen, the Miami Heat are the leading candidates to sign him. The champs traded away Roger Mason Jr to free up a roster spot for this reason. In the next few weeks they will target a free agent and Granger could be the best available.