Grade the trade: Pacers shake up their core in wild mock trade

Mar 10, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle looks on during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at KIA Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle looks on during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at KIA Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports | Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
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The Indiana Pacers have had a relatively quiet offseason this summer, but after their Eastern Conference Finals run last season, this may be the right call.

So far, the team's biggest moves were bringing back Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin in free agency, signing James Wiseman, and drafting Johnny Furphy in the second round of this year's draft. Additionally, they signed breakout guard Andrew Nembhard to a long-term contract extension.

The Pacers have not had a perfect offseason, but there is very little to complain about. They are banking on natural progression from their players to make another deep playoff run. However, while the team seems interested in running it back with their core once again, this will not stop any potential trade talk.

A proposed mock trade sees the Pacers trading Myles Turner to the Los Angeles Lakers

In a recent article for Fadeaway World, writer Fran Leiva proposed a trade between the Pacers and the Los Angeles Lakers:

Pacers trade: Myles Turner and Bennedict Mathurin

Lakers trade: Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes, and a 2031 first-round draft pick

Leiva believes this trade is a good deal for both sides. The Lakers would get a true big man to pair next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, whereas the Pacers would acquire a few players who fit their timeline and provide depth to the team. However, is this truly a win-win for both sides, and who benefits the most from this mock trade?

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