In the city 2 exchanges for 1 Khufu to make up 3 cheap centers: Turner turns into Khufu s defense declines significantly, and the disadvantages in the small ball market are all revealed

On July 6, according to ESPN, the Pacers reached a deal with the Grizzlies, and the Pacers sent the 2029 Trail Blazers second round swap and the 2031 Trail Blazers second round swap rights to Memphis for center Khufu.

NBA reporter Michael Schmidt also followed up and reported the news. The Pacers were the Eastern Conference champion last season, but after losing to the Thunder in the Finals, they did not leave starting center Miles Turner in the free market, who was invested by the Bucks in four years of 107 million.

Kufu averaged 11.7 minutes last season, scoring 6.9 points, 2 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 0.9 blocks, shooting percentage of 51.5%, three-point shooting percentage of 40.5%, and free throw shooting percentage of 78.6%. Converted to 21.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per 36 minutes.

However, the Pacers' signing of Khufu has mixed reviews. Some Pacers fans believe that it will be useless if Khufu cannot hit a three-pointer. He is not the type of player who can always serve as the starting center. He fell out of the Grizzlies rotation at the end of the season, and the Grizzlies knew that so they traded him.

However, some Pacers media think that Khufu is one of the 15-20 underrated players in the league.

The US media SportcastingNBA published an article about Khufu's ability, and agreed with his strength, thinking that Khufu could definitely help the Pacers on the offensive end.

Forbes Sports reporter Evan Steeley said: The Pacers officially adopt the "multi-player rotation" strategy next season to replace Miles Turner's position, and Turner's heroes were replaced by Khufu, Isaiah Jackson and Tony Bradley. After Turner joined the Bucks as a free agent, the Pacers have stockpiled three low-priced but diverse centers.

Kufu has three years left for the contract, and his salary next season is only 2.34 million, 2.66 million in the 26-27 season (partially guaranteed), and 3 million in the 27-28 season (not guaranteed + team option).

This is the tragedy of the small ball market. The Pacers are a team with a market value of 22 in the league. They are unable to bear the high luxury tax and can only give up Turner. This lineup will definitely decline a lot compared to the defense set in the finals last season.