Indiana Pacers Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline

The NBA trade deadline is approaching and every team is going to do their due diligence in hopes of pulling the trigger on a deal that upgrades their roster, including the Indiana Pacers.

Indiana made some key additions over the offseason in David West and George Hill, and there could be more new faces on the way by March 15.

Despite the Pacers' emergence as one of the Eastern Conference's top teams, standing pat is not necessarily on the agenda. Larry Bird has already indicated he will not shy away from bringing in new talent if it makes the team better.

With the goal in Indiana being able to keep pace with the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls, changes could be on the horizon.

Here's the latest. 

TRADE: Pacers Acquire G Leandro Barbosa from the Raptors

3/15: Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports reports the Pacers have traded for Raptors G Leandro Barbosa. He is reporting the Pacers will send a 2nd Round Draft pick as compensation for the deal.

This is a great deal for the Pacers. They give up very little and get a very good combo guard that can provide good minutes off the bench. 

Is Eric Gordon Still of Interest?

After Eric Gordon and the Hornets failed to meet an agreement on a contract extension, speculation regarding his future continued to swirl.

Gordon's right knee will keep him out of action until early April, a reality that has killed rumor mill mentions. However, the Pacers were interested at the prospect of adding him to the mix, and may not hesitate to the pull the trigger on a deal if the price is right.

Indiana could wait until the summer to make a play for Gordon when he's is a restricted free agent. However, he could also be valuable for a playoff run this year.

If the Hornets become serious about moving Gordon, the Pacers will certainly be a team that enters the fold.

Third Time's a Charm for O.J. Mayo?

O.J. Mayo has seen more time on the trade block than he has on the basketball court.

Mayo's relationship with the Grizzlies has been a roller coaster ride, to say the least, and it remains to be seen what Memphis' long-term plan is for the shooting guard.

That said, Mayo did make another brief appearance on the trading block in January, and his name could meander its way back into headlines. And if it does, the Pacers are sure to be interested.

Indiana nearly acquired Mayo from the Grizzlies in December, but talks fell through. And before that, the Pacers made a push to acquire him last February.

With Memphis insisting on a first-round pick, and both Josh McRoberts and Brandon Rush donning new uniforms, the framework of a potential deal would have to be completely re-worked.

But if it's depth on the perimeter Indiana craves, a third attempt leading up to March 15 is not out of the question.

Rajon Rondo Still a Possibility?

Back when Chris Paul wasn't a member of the Clippers, and Rajon Rondo rumors were just beginning to surface, the Pacers emerged as suitor for the point guard's services.

At the time, the Celtics were motivated to find a third party to facilitate a potential Paul to Boston trade, but recently ESPN.com reported that Rondo was once again being actively shopped. 

Boston has denied that that it is trying to move Rondo, but reports continue to surface nonetheless.

Indiana offers an intriguing replacement for the Celtics—who are already high on Avery Bradley as a floor general—in Darren Collison, and has the ability to send draft picks, and other young talent their way as well.

While Collison has been solid, Rondo is a clear upgrade, and his ability to weave in and out of the paint with ease would create even more looks for Paul George and Danny Granger. 

With Larry Bird looking to make the Pacers a legitimate contender, Rondo's ongoing saga is certainly one that will be closely monitored.

Paul Millsap Still a Good Fit?

Prior to the signing of David West, the Pacers had been linked to the Jazz's Paul Millsap, and would still be interested if he becomes available again.

While Utah reportedly feels no pressure to move one of its many big men, the importance of developing both Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors leaves the door open for either Millsap or Al Jefferson to hit the chopping block again.

Millsap provides the Pacers with another dominant and youthful low-post presence next to Roy Hibbert. He is a great scorer and stellar defender, and although he's undersized, he can play both the 4 or 5.

Millsap's presence would undoubtedly push David West to the bench if he isn't moved in any deal, but his talent is not one Indiana is likely to pass on.

Danny Granger to the Warriors for Monta Ellis?

Monta Elllis continues to be one of the most active players both on the basketball court, and in the rumor mill.

Most recently, the Warriors' shooting guard has been linked to both the Nets, in a possible deal for Brook Lopez, and to the Magic, in their desperate attempt to convince Dwight Howard to stay.

According to Marcus Thompson of the Bay Area News Group though, Golden State also has an interest in the Pacers' Danny Granger.

Granger provides the Warriors with a clear upgrade over Dorrell Wright and paves the way for Stephen Curry to become the clear offensive floor general.

Such a swap would hinge on Indiana's keenness on Ellis. The Pacers could move Paul George to small forward to make room for Ellis, but a roster shakeup of this magnitude may be more than Indiana bargained for.

Chris Kaman to the Pacers?

Before the Hornets pulled Chris Kaman off the trade block in early February, the Pacers were considered one of the favorites to land his services. 

New Orleans, as expected, has placed Kaman back on the open market, and Indiana remains a viable destination.

The Pacers are in need of a backup for Roy Hibbert, and they would be hard-pressed to find a better one than Kaman. He can score, defend and rebound, and moves without the ball extremely well.

Adding Kaman to a rotation that already boasts Hibbert and David West puts Indiana in the low-post driving seat against most opponents, and makes them a tougher matchup for both the Heat and Bulls.

One of the risks that comes with Kaman, though, is he will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. At only 29, he may not be partial to assuming a long-term backup role.

That said, Kaman makes the Pacers more a threat to come out of the Eastern Conference, rendering him a flight risk that Larry Bird and Indiana would be willing to take on.

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