Indiana Pacers: One trade with the Lakers that actually makes sense

The Indiana Pacers could target LAL’s Talen Horton-Tucker in exchange for TJ McConnell

In this trade, the Indiana Pacers acquire guard guard Talen Horton-Tucker from the Los Angeles Lakers for guard TJ McConnell and the 2022 second-round pick via Houston that they acquired from their earlier trade with the Cavaliers.

THT has had a rough season after signing his contract extension in the last summer, having logged 9.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game on subpar 42.2 percent shooting from the floor, including just 27.4 percent on threes. As the Lakers juggled between lineups due to injury and poor roster construction, the 21-year-old never really seemed to get any semblance of rhythm in his third season in the league.

On the other hand, McConnell has been forgettable for the most part this season. While his production remained solid early in the season, he only mustered 25 games in total before a wrist injury eventually sidelined him for the rest of the season. In his third year donning the blue and gold, he averaged 8.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. So how does this deal benefit both teams?