NBA Trade Verdict

Suns Win

Indiana acquired Luis Scola for an immediate title push, but Phoenix received a deeper long-term package built around Miles Plumlee and a future first-round pick.

July 27, 2013 Indiana Pacers / Phoenix Suns Record confidence: High

Phoenix Suns Received

Trade Analysis

Luis Scola gave the Pacers exactly what they wanted in the short term: an experienced reserve big man for a roster trying to reach the Finals. Indiana paid Gerald Green, Miles Plumlee and a protected first-round pick that eventually became the No. 27 selection used on Bogdan Bogdanovic. Scola was useful but spent only two seasons in Indiana, while Phoenix captured both a young center and a valuable future draft asset. The competitive context softens the criticism because the Pacers were correctly spending for a contender, but the realized long-term balance still favors Phoenix.