Report: Pacers Called Pistons About Dealing Roy Hibbert
The Indiana Pacers have recently begun scratching at the potential of trading center Roy Hibbert. It was reported that they were “quietly” trying to organize a deal with the Phoenix Suns involving Goran Dragic, but Phoenix has yet to show the slightest interest in Hibbert.
Here’s what Matt Dery of New Detroit Sports 105.1 tweeted yesterday,
Lots of chatter about Greg Monroe today. Pacers shopping Hibbert and a source tells me they have called the Pistons about him. All I know.
— Matt Dery (@dery1051) August 10, 2014
The Pistons have their own big man issues to settle with Greg Monroe, a restricted free agent who has yet to re-sign a long-term deal. A straight up Hibbert-for-Monroe trade is completely unfathomable being that Andre Drummond has Detroit’s full stock as their center. Since he’s restricted, Monroe can either sign what is being offered to him by the Pistons or sign a one-year, $5.48 qualifying offer and test unrestricted free agency next summer. Hibbert can test unrestricted free agency next summer as well.
Larry Bird and the Pacers are surely exploring any possible immediate options amidst a devastating blow to their franchise with Paul George’s injury. Their ceiling for the upcoming season will be sufficiently lower. The challenge for them to compete with other elites will be similar to that of the Chicago Bulls when they felt the loss of Derrick Rose.
Hibbert and the Pacers are likely stuck with each other for at least another year. Trading for him doesn’t seem to be on anyone’s agenda.
