Cavaliers trade Rakeem Christmas to Pacers for 2019 2nd-rounder

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The Cleveland Cavaliers announced the trade of big man Rakeem Christmas to the Indiana Pacers for a 2019 second-round pick on Thursday.

The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Christmas No. 36 in the 2015 NBA Draft, ultimately flipping him, along with Cedi Osman and a 2019 second-round pick, to the Cavaliers for No. 24 pick Tyus Jones.

During his four-year run with Syracuse, Christmas, 23, averaged 7.4 points and 5.3 rebounds in 142 appearances. His senior year was when he truly blossomed, though, putting up 17.5 points and grabbing 9.1 boards en route to the 2015 ACC Most Improved Player award.

The Pacers are loaded at center with draft pick Myles Turner, backup Ian Mahinmi, and newly-signed Jordan Hill. Christmas, who demonstrated superb shot-blocking during the Las Vegas Summer League with his 7-foot-5 wingspan, will have quite the mountain to climb if he wants to crack the roster.