Minutes prior to the 2019 NBA Draft, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Indiana Pacers would acquire Phoenix Suns forward T.J. Warren, along with the 32nd overall pick, in exchange for cash considerations. The move is still somewhat puzzling, as the Pacers gave up no trade assets and simply absorbed his contract – with 3 years left at just over $35 million collectively – leaving them with a young player and assets that helped attain Malcolm Brogdon.
Despite an ankle injury limiting him to just 43 games last season, Warren posted respectable averages and had the most efficient shooting season of his career.