Indiana Pacers Rumors: If Traded, What Are The Top 5 Potential Landing Spots For Danny Granger?

Top 5 Potential Landing Spots For Danny Granger

The Indiana Pacers have put together quite the season and they have found themselves in a dog fight with the top seed in the Eastern Conference, with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line. The Pacers and the Miami Heat will hit the hardwood for Game 5 on Thursday night as the Pacers look to do the unthinkable and take a 3-2 series lead back to Indiana.

If Indiana is going to accomplish that, they're going to need their stars to shine -- most notably on the wing in Paul George and Lance Stephenson. It's weird to not be mentioning Danny Granger in that sequence, but injuries have been costly.

Granger is no longer the star in Indiana and it's interesting to think about the success that the Pacers have had without their injured play maker, but that's just how things have played out. Now, with one year remaining on his contract, could Granger be a pivotal piece of off-season trades and rumors?

With an expiring contract that is over $14 million for the 2013-14 season, Granger could be on the trade block. Granger is still a solid talent and there's no doubt that he could provide an instant impact for some team next season, but who?

Let's dive into some potential options and break down five potential landing spots for Granger next season.

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No. 5- Phoenix Suns

The Suns lack star power and Granger could be an instant fit in Phoenix. The Suns could then make the decision on whether or not they want to keep him or simply let him go via free agency in the summer of 2014. Granger would fill a need for the Suns and there are plenty of pieces that Indiana could use in return to bolster a lineup that is already knocking on the door of championship potential.

No. 4- Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers are headlining the NBA trade rumor mill thus far. From DeAndre Jordan to Eric Bledsoe to the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic, things are swirling. So could they potentially be in the Granger sweepstakes? Bledsoe would provide some added depth in the back court, while Granger could be a name that interests Chris Paul. Cap space might be tight for Los Angeles, though.

No. 3- Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks are trying to make some moves this off-season and Mark Cuban is hoping to implement a two-year plan and persuade either Chris Paul or Dwight Howard to make a move to Dallas. Those are easier options than Granger, but what if the Mavericks can't get either of them -- there's no way Cuban sits back this off-season.

No. 2- Boston Celtics

Could a swap of Danny Granger and Paul Pierce work? Well, at first you think, why would the Celtics make this switch and take on $14 million for next season? It's intriguing though because a back court rotation of Rajon Rondo, Jeff Green and Danny Granger could be more than dangerous on the offensive end.

No. 1- Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers want a scoring small forward and they also hold the No. 1 overall pick in a weak NBA Draft. It could also free up some cap space down the line if Granger doesn't fit past the summer of 2014. A lot of players could be potential targets by Cleveland this off-season and Granger should be among them.