Why The Indiana Pacers Should Do It

Perhaps the only way the Pacers can swing a deal directly with the Hornets would be to request Charlotte’s first round pick.

The possibilities open up if a third team is involved, but that also increases the complexity if one of the three teams wants to pull out of the deal.

The Pacers should pursue this deal if the third pick was actually in play. Indiana doesn’t currently have a first round pick, and the chance to get into the top three would be an incredible opportunity.

If Charlotte was only willing to include a 2021 first round pick and not their 2020 first rounder, that would be understandable from the Hornets’ perspective — but Indiana also could get a much better offer elsewhere.

This may be one of the few ways these two teams can come together on a deal for Turner, who may not be a long-term fit alongside Sabonis in Indiana’s frontcourt.