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?
The Lakers would become legitimate title contenders right away
This trade would make a lot of sense for the Lakers. Turner is the best player in this hypothetical trade and would help the Lakers become a winning team again immediately. Additionally, adding him to the team would give the Lakers arguably the best frontcourt in the league, pairing him alongside James and Davis.
What would make Turner an interesting addition to the Lakers is his versatility on both sides of the ball. He is one of the best shooting big men in the NBA, which would do wonders for the Lakers' offense. Furthermore, he is a good defender who could complement Davis very well.
By adding Turner, this would also allow the Lakers to move Davis back to his natural power forward position, which is something the team reportedly had interest in doing earlier this offseason.
Additionally, acquiring Mathurin could be good for the Lakers. In his two seasons with the Pacers, the 22-year-old has played well, averaging 15.8 points on 43.9% shooting from the floor. Initially, he would likely assume the role of the Lakers' sixth man, but he could help the team a lot as a starter and core player in the long run, especially after James retires.
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.
While not a bad idea, this trade would not benefit the Pacers as much as it would the Lakers
The trade Leiva proposed between the Pacers and Lakers is not horrible.
From Los Angeles' perspective, they get a true big man who can help the team win now, as well as a young wing who can contribute immediately and in the future.
As for the Pacers, trading Turner would give them the chance to get a solid return for him as opposed to letting him leave in free agency, and Hachimura, Reaves, and Hayes are all solid players who would fit their scheme.
Ultimately, however, it is fair to say that the Lakers would fare better in this deal than the Pacers would.
Outside of him being an impending free agent next summer, the Pacers have no reason to trade Turner. He has been with the team for nearly a decade and is loved by the fans. Additionally, he is one of the team's best players and is a major part of their core. Furthermore, trading him would leave a large hole for the Pacers at the center position.
Plus, moving on from Mathurin at such a young age has a high chance of backfiring on the team. He has high potential and has only impressed during his short time in Indiana. Furthermore, he should continue to grow on the court as his career progresses.
The Pacers should feel confident with the core they have on the roster, and no major shakeup is needed.