Pacers deal Edmond Sumner, add Brad Wanamaker as third point guard spot is 'up for grabs'
In need of another point guard, the Pacers worked with familiar front offices to swing a trade — which opened a roster spot.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle is still getting to know his players, learning about the team and wanting to improve on their weaknesses. One area still unsettled is his third-string point guard, behind Malcolm Brogdon and T.J. McConnell.
It’s an open competition; that position still needs to be won.
That was confirmed Tuesday night when in the middle of their first preseason game, the Pacers agreed to trade Edmond Sumner and a 2025 second-round pick (via the Heat) in exchange for the draft rights of Juan Pablo Vaulet.
Sumner is presumably out for the season after suffering a torn left Achilles during an offseason workout at the team facility one month ago. Before then, he felt as good as he ever had since being selected 52nd overall in the 2017 draft. But then he was struck by more bad luck.
The Pacers had a full 20-man roster, including Sumner and his $2.3 million salary. They could have waived Kelan Martin, who’s contract does not become guaranteed until Oct. 19, but instead they freed up some cap space while opening up a roster spot.
Since Sumner’s injury on Sept. 9 and the recent discovery of back discomfort for starter Caris LeVert, which will keep him out at least through the preseason, the Pacers have been surveying their options at point guard.
In a subsequent move on Wednesday, the Pacers signed guard Brad Wanamaker. It is an Exhibit 9, according to a league source, so it’s a one-year, non-guaranteed deal for the minimum.