NBA Trade Rumors: OJ Mayo Trade Makes Perfect Sense for Pacers and Grizzlies

The Indiana Pacers addressed their need for a talented shooting guard who can create his own shot, cut to the basket and distribute to open snipers by trading for O.J. Mayo, according to Bill Ingram of HoopsWorld.

All it cost them was forward Josh McRoberts and guard Brandon Rush, two decent players but guys who don’t nearly possess the skills and potential of Mayo.

This trade was pretty decent for all parties, as the Grizzlies needed to get rid of their 2-guard who wasn’t fitting in off the court in the city.

It also helps them to add frontcourt depth behind Zach Randolph and perhaps as a precautionary measure in regards to Marc Gasol’s potential departure.

The Pacers needed a guard with Mayo’s ability and this actually isn’t the first time they tried to acquire the fourth-year man out of USC.

Back in February, the two teams agreed to swap McRoberts and a first-rounder in the 2011 draft for Mayo but the deal was submitted minutes after the deadline passed and therefore was nullified.

GM David Morway still coveted the Memphis SG and this time got an even sweeter deal for him and by not getting the trade through in time last season, the Pacers actually made their team better.

They used the pick that would have went to the Grizzlies on Kawhi Leonard and then flipped him to San Antonio for proven veteran George Hill on draft day.

Now, the Pacers have just given up two role players in exchange for a starter and someone that rounds out their team perfectly.

It’s a good deal for Indiana and one that Memphis had to make before Mayo’s contract ran out after next season and he was in line for a big payday. It also gives each team a fresh start and a better overall roster going into the season.