The Indiana Pacers are hoping for a Goran Dragic trade this offseason and a deal with the Phoenix Suns for Roy Hibbert could be an option to upgrade over George Hill, as the team has quietly been shopping Hibbert this offseason and the Suns desperately need a veteran big and this deal could be an option over the Portland Trail Blazers, as they have shown interest in the past for Hibbert.
According to ESPN reporter Marc Stein, the Pacers "dream" of making a Dragic trade with the Suns, as they want an upgrade over George Hill at point guard. Indy likes George Hill and doesn't want to get rid of him, but the team feels that upgrading at that position could improve the team dramatically and with Lance Stephenson gone, there is a void the team can fill with a deal. Dragic came on last season and won most improved player and while the Suns are not actively looking to deal him, the team can afford to lose a guard.
The Pacers lost to the Miami Heat again in the playoffs last season and the play of Hibbert was one of the most glaring reasons why. The team is not actively looking for a deal, but as they gauge interest for Hibbert around the league, it could lay the groundwork for a deal in the future. The Pacers added Rodney Stuckey and he could be the backup for Hill without a deal, but it also opens up the team to make a move and not worry about dealing Hill. Either way, the Pacers want to get better offensively and that could mean moving Hibbert after a few of his zero-zero performances in the playoffs.
The Suns were one of the most surprising teams in the league last season and they have a glut of players at guard, including Dragic, Tyler Ennis, Isaiah Thomas and Archie Goodwin. The Suns drafted Ennis in the first round and he could be in line to be a solid option off the bench, while Thomas could end up being the starter if Dragic is moved. On top of that, the Suns also have Eric Bledsoe and while he is a restricted free agent right now, he likely will sign with the team eventually. Phoenix has said they plan on matching any deal and that is why he hasn't had much interest on the market.
The Suns are taking things slow and one reason they may not want to deal Dragic just yet is due to the fact that they have leverage over Bledsoe. According to ESPN.com, the Suns have offered Bledsoe a deal worth around $50 million over four years, but he is asking for a five year deal worth near $80 million and chances are things will fall in the middle of that.
The Suns said that they are confident they will sign Bledsoe, but clearly they have the players to make up for it, as Thomas and Ennis could be solid options to step in and step up. Dragic was impressive last season and he has a team friendly contract and even if the team doesn't trade Dragic now, there is a chance it could come up again at the deadline.
