Pacers finally send Myles Turner to the Lakers in this blockbuster three-team trade

Does this trade idea give the Indiana Pacers a look at an ideal return for Myles Turner and their vets?

If Myles Turner and his camp continue to decline an extension with the Indiana Pacers as reported, then the team’s leverage rapidly flakes away. After all, it’s the high likelihood of both parties agreeing to an extension that gave them asking power from potential suitors for the big man’s services.

That being said, the Turner rebuff is far from a signal for the Pacers to hold a fire sale for all of their veterans, though the likes of McConnell and Theis are far from indispensable pieces. In fact, both players are salary fillers whom Indiana should want to free itself from. Buddy Hield, however, should not have his fate tied with Turner. Aside from the fact that he’s a good fit, the team can always just package him separately as projected returns for him are already expected to be robust considering his play this season.

If the Lakers accept Westbrook’s limits as a contributor for a winning team, notwithstanding his improved play off the bench, and yield to LeBron’ passive-aggressive wish for the front office to focus on the present, then a price of two unprotected first-rounders for veterans (including San Antonio’s Josh Richardson) that help extend and maximize their competitive window should be worth it.

Regardless, as long as the Indiana Pacers can find a way to extract good value out of Myles Turner, they should pull the trigger. The actual deal may look far from this one, but the point stands that they can’t risk losing him for absolute nothing, especially if a path to an extension remains blurry.