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

Trading Myles Turner would give the Pacers a chance to get something in return for him before he hits free agency

On paper, this trade makes very little sense for the Pacers. They would be giving up the best player in the deal in Turner and a potential franchise cornerstone in Mathurin.

Additionally, while Hachimura, Reaves, and Hayes are all solid players, acquiring them for Turner and Mathurin would not move the Pacers closer to title contention. However, it is important to remember one major detail in this mock trade--Turner is a free agent next summer.

Turner has just one year remaining on his two-year, $40.9 million contract. Due to the nature of two-year contract extensions in the NBA, the Pacers cannot sign the 28-year-old to another contract until his current one expires.

While it seems likely Turner will remain in Indiana for the long haul, a lot can happen between now and the end of his contract. Unless the Pacers feel fully confident in their ability to retain Turner, trading their long-time center could become a serious possibility.

Furthermore, the one interesting part of this mock trade is the Pacers acquiring the Lakers' first-round pick in 2031. Trading for a pick that is seven years away is always a gamble. However, by that point, James and Davis will be gone from the team, and many of their potential core players will be gone in this trade.

The 2031 first-round pick could be a valuable asset down the line, and it may be worth it for the Pacers to acquire it if they can.