Once Paul George was ruled out for the 2014-15 season following a gruesome leg injury in a Team USA scrimmage, questions began to rise about just how the Indiana Pacers would handle the situation. The team could opt to sign one of the remaining free agents and hope their depth is enough to cover the holes or they could sell the farm, make several trades and rebuild backup in the summer. After losing Lance Stephenson as well, the Pacers might be forced to take the second option and it starts with Roy Hibbert.
The Pacers lost their two best all-around players for next season. They opted not to re-sign Stephenson in free agency and he departed for a larger contract. George is out with injury and not returning for at least a year. Now, several players find their names circling the trade rumor circuit and Hibbert is the most marquee of the bunch.
The rumors surrounding a trade of Hibbert are certainly not new. After his disappearance act in the second half of last season and the postseason, most questioned his future. While team president Larry Bird noted the Pacers were not actively seeking deals, they would certainly answer the phones if someone called. Would the Miami Heat be interested?
Once it became clear that Hibbert might be available, the Heat's name shot to the top of the charts. Could they realistically make the move? The South Florida Sun Sentinel is reporting that the Miami Heat are not seeking out a trade for Hibbert based on their lack of assets they can deal. Hibbert will not come cheap. He is still viewed as one of the best big men in the league. The only players the Heat could package in for Hibbert are Norris Cole, Shabazz Napier and possibly Justin Hamilton. Veteran free agents cannot be dealt until Dec. 15, leaving the Heat with very few options. At this point in the season, getting a third team involved would be tough.
Another free agent the Heat are unlikely to get is Eric Bledsoe. Rumors have been swirling around Bledsoe as he continues to consider his options as a restricted free agent. The Sun Sentinel writes that while the Heat have considered a sign-and-trade for Bledsoe, it is not going to happen now simply because of a lack of cap space. The Heat will continue the season with Cole. Napier and Mario Chalmers covering the point guard position. It appears Bledsoe will be forced into a qualifying offer with the Phoenix Suns.