NBA Trade Rumors: Pacers Must Swap First-Round Pick for O.J. Mayo

The Memphis Grizzlies aren’t certain about O.J. Mayo’s future with the organization, but they do know that they want a first-round pick in return if they do trade him, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.

Is he worth the price?

You better believe it—especially for those teams that look like fringe contenders.

The best fit would be the 11-4 Indiana Pacers, a solid squad but one that does not possess a dynamic scorer with Mayo’s ability to bring instant offense off the pine.

Pacers president Larry Bird and GM David Moray have tried to acquire the 24-year-old 2-guard immediately following the lockout, but failed for a second time in less than a year to get a deal done.

It’s obvious by their multitude of attempts to swing a trade that they realize he is a perfect piece for their franchise.

As it is becoming clearer these Pacers aren't a fluke in 2011-12 and could become a legitimate Eastern Conference contender; they must step up and build for a deep playoff run.

Offering a first-round pick, almost guaranteed to be late in the draft, plus someone like Dahntay Jones to Memphis would be foolish not to do.

Mayo is averaging 24.5 minutes, 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists coming off the bench for the Grizzlies.

He has seen an increase to those minutes almost every night during their current seven-game winning streak. It proves he is an effective contributor and can provide a spark on offense when the coach calls his number.

There is no reason for Indiana not to try and make something work, even if it’s for the third time in less than a year, with Memphis to bring in the stud sixth man.

He is certainly worth a first-round pick to them and could have people talking titles in the Hoosier State.