As they mull whether to match a large offer sheet for incumbent center Roy Hibbert, the Indiana Pacers are meeting with New Orleans Hornets free-agent center Chris Kaman, according to John Reid of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. The meeting comes after Hibbert verbally agreed to a four-year, $58 million offer sheet with the Portland Trail Blazers. The idea is that Kaman could be a cheaper replacement if the Pacers choose not to keep Hibbert.
NBA Free Agency Rumors: Chris Kaman Meeting With Indiana Pacers
Kaman, a one-time all-star when he played for the Los Angeles Clippers, struggled with injuries in his only year in New Orleans, averaging 13.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game in 47 contests. His return to New Orleans is up in the air after the Hornets used the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft on Anthony Davis.
Assuming Hibbert officially signs the offer sheet with the Blazers on July 11, which is the first day he is eligible to do so, the Pacers would have two days to decide whether to match. If not, they could very well sign Kaman. Indiana has the cap space to keep Hibbert, even after inking guard George Hill to a five-year contract, but must decide if he is worth the contract he was offered by the Blazers.
For more on the Pacers, head over to the SB Nation blog Indy Cornrows.
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