3. Pacers Get Creative

Lakers Receive: Victor Oladipo

Pacers Receive: Kyle Kuzma, Malik Monk, Danny Green, Cody Zeller, 2020 1st Round Pick (#3 via CHA), 2020 1st Round Pick (via LAL)

Hornets Receive: Myles Turner

The Pacers would be able to shed salary in the near future by taking on two substantial expiring deals in Green and Zeller. Landing the No. 3 overall pick could help begin the rebuilding process as well in a way that wouldn’t tie Indiana to having to lose to get an intriguing prospect.

Moving on from Turner would create a clearer pathway for the Pacers to slot Kyle Kuzma at the four. Of course, T.J. Warren was phenomenal at that spot in the playoffs, but they can still go four-out on offense to have spacing for him to thrive. Also, taking a risk on Monk would be worthwhile since it would be minimal.

The Lakers would be giving up Kuzma in this scenario, but they wouldn’t have to sacrifice another future 1st round selection. That’s advantageous considering how many they had to move to the New Orleans Pelicans to make the Anthony Davis trade happen.

The Hornets would be receiving a stretch-five that can anchor their defense in Turner. They were in the market for Andre Drummond when he was available prior to the Pistons trading him to the Cavaliers. Adding Turner could help Charlotte compete sooner.