The Pacers are in an odd spot this upcoming season. Despite losing future hall-of-famer and team leader Reggie Miller, the Pacers stand to be a significantly improved team next year, even without any major off-season moves. The reason is clear: the return of Ron Artest.
Although it is unlikely that the Pacers can get full value, they should trade Ron Artest. 80 cents on the dollar is fine. The one caveat is that the Pacers need to obtain good second banana for Jermaine O?Neal, and not just role players. The Pistons not withstanding, a championship team typically has two ?star? players, and without Artest, the Pacers are left only with Jermaine O?Neal. If the rumors involving a Pierce-for-Artest trade are true, the Pacers need to do everything within reason to make it happen.