Grade the trade: Pacers shockingly move up into top 3 in 2023 NBA Draft

Would the Indiana Pacers make this trade?

This is a no-brainer trade for the Pacers. Myles Turner is a fantastic talent and is just entering his prime, but he is not an elite player. The 27-year-old has twice led the league in blocked shots, but he has never been an All-Star.

The number three pick has proven to be a star in recent years. Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Evan Mobley have all gone at the spot since 2016. The Pacers could be getting an All-NBA talent. It does not matter what happens at two. Tyrese Haliburton fits well next to Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller.

Jusuf Nurkic has three years and $54.4 million remaining on his contract, but the Pacers have plenty of cap space and little long-term money on their books. Nurkic has struggled to stay healthy and is not the ideal fit at the five in Indiana, but it is worth taking on his deal to get the number three pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Grade: A+

The Indiana Pacers would love for this option to become available on Thursday night, and it could turn into a win-win trade if Myles Turner further blossoms in Portland playing next to Damian Lillard. The Portland Trail Blazers may not make this deal, but Pacers fans can dream.

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