The Pacers didn’t want to pay him. The Clippers didn’t want to pay him. His market is what it is right now. Oubre Jr. is the right fit for this team. He’s athletic, a plus defender than can guard positions 1-4, will fit seamlessly in an up-tempo & randomized offense, and seems eager to star in his role. Signing Oubre Jr. is the type of move that can put a contending team over the top. Think OKC trading Giddey for Caruso. This Mathurin news is just further affirmation that the Pacers made the right move with the Zubac trade. Yes, the Pacers didn’t think that they could pay Benn what he wanted, but incurring the risk of losing him for nothing was *never* the right move. And in his place, they now have an ideal complimentary asset that can help them return to the Finals in a loaded Eastern Conference.

@AlexGoldenNBA @_Facci Interesting tidbit from part 1: In discussing the front office thought-process on selecting two-way players, Chad says: “So our two ways have become a little more like we need these guys to be ready to play in a game as opposed to developmental spots. That may be the case with two of our three spots, maybe the case with all three of our spots this year. So we're still deciding that up.” Whoa! Okay…. what does this mean for Braden Smith? Clearly, Braden falls into the developmental category. So all 3 of the two-way spots = non-developmental?… I take this to mean potentially 1 of 2 things: 1) Braden is offered a min $1.35 mil standard spot (probably non-guaranteed) Or 2) Braden Smith is left off the 18-man roster altogether (something, up until the interview… I didn’t think was on the table) Fellas, please circle back to this at some point. Thank you!