PACERS ADD THAD, NETS GET A 1ST-ROUND PICK
The Indiana Pacers acquired combo forward Thaddeus Young from the Brooklyn Nets for a 1st-round pick in 2016 (No. 20 overall-Caris LeVert) and a future 2nd-round selection.
What does it give the Indiana Pacers
The NBA off-season has barely started and the Pacers' starting five is already significantly made over. The team's first-round loss to Toronto has resulted in Indy letting go of head coach Frank Vogel, trading point guard George Hill (and acquiring Jeff Teague to replace him), and now adding Young. This move helps the Pacers morph into a true small-ball club, with rising star rookie Myles Turner likely shifting from power forward to center and Young taking over the power forward spot (letting Paul George stay at small forward). It's a hefty salary commitment, but a nice move by Indy.
What does it give the Brooklyn Nets
Young was arguably the Nets' best player but dumping salary is of utmost importance to the organization. Brooklyn shaves big bucks over the next three seasons by moving Young, and the No. 20 overall pick in this year's draft will help with the rebuild.
Fantasy impact
Expect talented second-year combo forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to take over Young's minutes and role, and for Hollis-Jefferson to be a solid sleeper for the upcoming fantasy hoops season. On the Indy side of things, Young's fantasy value should stay roughly the same while Mahinmi's value probably takes a significant hit (since he will now likely need to battle the emerging Turner for minutes at center rather than be the de facto starter he was last season).
