As the NBA season gets closer to being about one-fourth of the way over teams are starting to realize what they do and don't have.  The Pacers seem to be in the same rut that they have been in the last few seasons.  The offense gets stagnant at times, they give up big leads, and depend on the three way too much (especially when they aren't hitting them).  I've looked at a couple possible trades for this team that not only help this year, but can provide help in the future as well.

Scenario 1 - Cap Relief

• Houston gets Jeff Foster, Mike Dunleavy Jr, TJ Ford (approximately $24MIL), and a future 2nd round pick.
• Indiana gets Tracy McGrady and Chase Budinger (approximately $23.5MIL)

This works for both teams as far as the salary cap goes.  Houston would acquire three players that can actually start for this team or provide support off the bench.  Ford would fall off the books at the end of this year for Houston and Dunleavy and Foster would fall off next year.

Indiana would get McGrady and his expiring contract of $22MIL for the rest of the season and Budinger, an athletic wing who would actually fit the style of play that the Pacers want.  McGrady says he is ready to play, the Rockets say he's not, so not really sure what is going on there.  I can't imagine Houston would want to drive McGrady's trade value (what value there is) down by not playing him...unless this is a money issue for the future.

Scenario 2 - Star Potential

• Golden State gets Jeff Foster, TJ Ford (approx $14.5MIL), and a 2nd round pick.
• Indiana gets Monta Ellis and Speedy Claxton (approx $16MIL)

Golden State is able to bring in Ford who will fall off the books this year and they will get rid of Ellis who is not happy in Golden State.  This also lowers the Warriors future cap worries by taking in Foster, who would fall off the books after next season, while getting rid of Ellis' huge contract.

The Pacers bring in a player that can play the point and can score on a consistent basis.  Claxton would fall off the books after the season, so they get a little relief there as well.

Scenario 3 - Big Men

• LA Clippers get - Hilton Armstrong
• New Orleans get Jeff Foster and Ricky Davis
• Indiana gets - DeAndre Jordan and Darius Songaila

This trade is basically a salary dump for the Clippers who would get about $3MIL worth of relief at the end of the season.

New Orleans would add Davis, who is a capable scoring wing and Foster who would be a solid backup at the C/PF slots.

Indiana would grab Jordan who fits the mold and style of play that they are going for.  Songaila could be left on the bench or waived.

The one constant for all of these trades if the fact that Jeff Foster is involved in all three scenarios.  I feel that his time with the team has come to an end.  He really doesn't fit what the team is doing and his contract is terrible.  On top of that, he absolutely kills the team on offense with the second team.