Buyout coming for Ford

The inability to pull off the trade means the Pacers will finish the season with their current roster, with the likely exception of point guard T.J. Ford. The Pacers plan to start negotiating a buyout with Ford to give him a chance to sign with a playoff-contending team before Tuesday's deadline.

"I think I'm going to get an opportunity very soon," Ford said. "I knew coming into the season my time here was going to be short, and I felt this move was most likely to happen."

Portland, Miami and New York are expected to have interest in Ford. He said he will agree to a buyout only if he knows a team will sign him and he will be able to make up the money he would lose in a buyout.

"If not, I'll be a Pacer the rest of the season," Ford said.