The Pacers have long been trying to trade T.J. Ford, but time is running out as Thursday's trade deadline nears.

If they aren't able to trade the point guard, they'll offer him a buyout for the second time in less than a year.

Ford's contract is expiring, which might make him attractive to some teams.

He has played a total of 10 minutes in the past 16 games.

"By making the decision (of sitting me), I would hope that's the case," he said last month about being traded. "I don't see why it would be best for me to be here the whole year. That's their call. Either way it goes, I'm here and I'm going to still stay ready because anything can happen at any given moment."