Indiana Pacers Trade Rumors: Larry Bird 'Going to Go Ahead and Make the Move'

The Indiana Pacers have been one of the true surprises in the young NBA season. While they were expected to build on their success from last year's hard-fought playoff series with the Bulls, no one could have foreseen their dominance on the defensive end of the floor.

Heading into the All-Star break, the Pacers are top 10 in scoring defense, rebounding, shot blocking and turnovers forced. They're led by first-time All-Star Roy Hibbert and currently possess one of the deepest frontcourts in professional basketball.

For all of their efforts on the defensive end, however, comes deficiencies on offense.

The Pacers are 12th in scoring offense but just 23rd in shooting percentage. In order to become a true postseason threat, they must score the ball with greater efficiency.

According to Larry Bird, the team's President of Basketball Operations, something will be done about those problems. Bird told the Pacers' official team website:

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"I'm going continue to do whatever I can to make this team better. If I see a player out there I think can make us better, I'm going to go ahead and make the move," Bird told Pacers.com. "It could be a trade, but it's probably going to be picking up somebody off another team just so they can get some money off [the salary cap]. We've got a lot of calls in, talked to a lot of people and we're going to try to continue to strengthen this team."

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The only question remaining is, who could catch Larry Bird's eye? Lucky for you, I've got the answer.

5. Marco Belinelli, Guard, New Orleans Hornets

Not every trade is going to bring you a star, Pacers fans.

In adding Belinelli, the Pacers would be making a low-cost move that meets one of their most desperate needs. Despite ranking in the top 10 in three-point percentage, the Pacers are only 21st in three-point field goals per game. Belinelli is averaging 1.5 made per game, on his own, while shooting 38 percent from distance.

This would be a huge addition for the Pacers come the postseason.

Career Averages: 8.4 ppg, 80% FT, 40% 3PT

4. Monta Ellis, Guard, Golden State Warriors

Monta Ellis is a bit of a wild card. He's been on the trade market for a few years now, but no one has pulled the trigger on him. He's still young enough to be a star for years to come, but he's often criticized for selfish play.

With that being said, he'd certainly boost the Pacers' chances of winning a title.

Ellis is an elite scorer who never fails to come through in the clutch. That's exactly what the Pacers need. He'd complement the quickness of Darren Collison as well as anyone on this list, giving the Pacers a new-found transition offense to keep teams on their toes.

His perimeter shooting would also complement the interior game of David West, Tyler Hansbrough and Roy Hibbert.

Career Averages: 22.4 ppg, 5.8 apg, 3.4 rpg, 1.7 spg

3. O.J. Mayo, Guard, Memphis Grizzlies

While some may be opposed to a Paul George-for-O.J. Mayo swap, it might not actually be a bad idea. Both are young and skilled shooters with an ability to score and an unlimited upside. Furthermore, each might be a better fit for the opposite team.

While Paul George's value is undeniable as a 6'10" shooting guard, Mayo is a score-first type of player who could really take the pressure off of Danny Granger on the offensive end of the floor.

Mayo has shown that he's capable of scoring upwards of 20 points per game if given the opportunity, making him a dark-horse acquisition for the contending Pacers.

Career Averages: 15.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.1 spg, 38% 3PT

2. Kevin Martin, Guard, Houston Rockets

Kevin Martin is a perfect fit for the Indiana Pacers. He's a big-body player who has elite scoring ability and underrated defensive skills. That makes him a worthy replacement for Paul George should the second-year guard be involved in the trade.

While Martin's age and history with injuries could throw up some red flags, the sharpshooter's value in the short term could be worth it. He would work wonders with Danny Granger on the offensive end and give the Pacers one of the best perimeter tandems in the NBA. That's something that could play a major role as they face off against the dominant perimeters of the Celtics, Knicks, Hawks and Heat.

Career Statistics: 18.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.0 apg, 38% 3PT

1. Eric Gordon, Guard, New Orleans Hornets

Eric Gordon grew up in Indianapolis and went to school at the University of Indiana. He's also one of the premier scorers in the NBA. So, why wouldn't this happen?

Current shooting guard Paul George is a freak athlete with a well-rounded skill set. He's a future star and could become the face of the franchise if he reaches his full potential.

With that being said, Eric Gordon is a player who is ready to contribute right now. Considering the Pacers are thinking "championship" and not just "playoff berth," the smart move is to acquire the 23-year-old Gordon.

Career Statistics: 18.1 ppg, 3.3 apg, 2.7 rpg, 1.1 spg