Don't expect the Indiana Pacers to trade Roy Hibbert. Even if Indiana wanted to trade Hibbert, no team reportedly would be willing to give up the assets for a player that is likely to walk in free agency next summer.
All signs point to Hibbert opting into the final year of his contract with Indiana. If you ask team president Larry Bird, Hibbert - as well as teammate David West - is a lock to return next season in a Pacers uniform. Hibbert's future with Indiana beyond next season, when he becomes an unrestricted free agent, is uncertain. But despite the trade rumors earlier in the season surrounding Hibbert, one thing that's almost certain, according to Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler, is Hibbert won't be traded at any time while on his current contract. While he's expected to opt in for next season, Kyler doesn't think any team will give up anything of value for a player that can leave the following summer.
"Roy has to opt-in in order to be traded, while he is in limbo he can't be traded and that's a protection his side negotiated into his deal," Kyler wrote Tuesday. "If he opts in, what's he worth in trade? Especially knowing he likely walks away from the new team in July?"
Hibbert has a $15.5 million option for next season, which, as mentioned, he's expected to exercise. Becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer is beneficial for at least two reasons: One, he has a chance this upcoming season to up his value after a mediocre 2014-15 season; and two, the salary cap is expected to skyrocket in the summer of 2016, meaning Hibbert could be in store for a massive payday.
Next season is also expected to be the last chance the Pacers' core - Hibbert, West, Paul George and Georgile Hill - have to win a championship together.
