With Indiana Pacers forward David West and Roy Hibbert both having the option to become free agents after the season, the team seems likely to try to trade either one of them before the deadline. If West does become available, Basketball Insiders' Alex Kennedy believes the Toronto Raptors could be a likely suitor.
Although Indiana (15-29) is still in contention for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, it's unlikely they'll actually make it into the postseason. Even if the Pacers were to grab a late seed, their team as currently constructed isn't built to make a deep run. With little chance this season of winning a championship, it would make sense for team president Larry Bird to try to acquire future assets to build with by moving some of his players who have trade value.
West's name has been mentioned before as a potential candidate to be dealt. The veteran would be a nice addition (12.6 points, 7.0 rebounds per game) for a playoff-bound team needing depth and productive minutes off the bench, which means Bird could fetch a decent asset by trading him. West also is eligible to become a free agent after the season, putting Indiana at risk of losing him for nothing in the offseason.
On Wednesday, Kennedy reiterated the wisdom in dealing West this season and named Toronto as a team likely to pursue him if he were placed on the trade block.
"I do think trading David West is the best option for the Pacers," Kennedy wrote. "They should get something back for him, because I can't see him staying in Indiana when it's clear they're not going to in contention. He's nearing the end of his career and wants to play for a contender. Rather than losing him for nothing, trading him and getting an asset that will help them rebuild makes the most sense. I don't think Indiana will get a ton for West since he's nearing the end of his career and could always leave as a free agent, but getting something is better than losing him for nothing. I think the Raptors are an interesting team to keep an eye on if West becomes available."
For the No. 3 Raptors, West would be an upgrade over Tyler Hansbrough coming off the bench.
Pacers center Roy Hibbert is also a Pacer likely to be traded before the deadline. Hibbert, who's at times seemed unhappy in Indiana, has a player option for next season. Like West, the Pacers risk losing the 7-foot-2 rim-protector for nothing as a free agent in July.
The NBA trade deadline is on Feb. 19.
