The Indiana Pacers finished last season a surprising 42-24, and gave the Miami Heat a serious challenge in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. But now the team is facing a challenge to its talented young nucleus.
The Portland Trail Blazers have offered the Pacers' All-Star center Roy Hibbert a 4-year, $58 million max contract to leave Indianapolis. Hibbert cannot actually sign with the Blazers until July 11, at which point the Pacers would have three days to match the offer. However it is thought that Indiana did not offer Hibbert a max deal when free agency started. Hibbert has reportedly also been offered a max deal from another unidentified team. Hibbert just finished his fourth year with the Pacers, and had his best season as a pro in 2012, averaging 12.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. The Pacers drafted 7'0" center Miles Plumlee from Duke in last week's draft.
[via SI.com]
