Portland Trail Blazers Receive: C Myles Turner, F TJ Warren, G Jeremy Lamb, 2022 First-Round Pick (via CLE)

Indiana Pacers Receive: G CJ McCollum, F/C Larry Nance Jr.

At this point, the Indiana Pacers cannot be patient and are losing leverage on Myles Turner because teams know they want to move him. He is signed through just the 2022-23 season and once the offseason comes, he will be considered an expiring contract.

Teams have been reluctant about Turner’s foot injury since a key part of acquiring him at the NBA trade deadline. The Portland Trail Blazers were in serious discussions to acquiring him before that news dropped.

Given the recent positive scans on Turner’s foot and him doing on-court work, there isn’t a strong risk involved in doing a deal. Also, the move is with the 2022-23 season in mind when Damian Lillard is back in the fold.

Taking on CJ McCollum would be the appeal of this trade for the Pacers. They moved Caris LeVert and cleared way for Chris Duarte, so it may be confusing as to why they would create another overlap. One thing to consider, perhaps the Pacers could flip McCollum in the offseason, or Malcolm Brogdon could get moved then instead.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trail Blazers Team To Watch For Myles Turner Trade?

Keep in mind, Brogdon is ineligible to be moved this season due to his contract extension he signed. He will be able to get moved in the offseason and the Pacers could already have his replacement with McCollum. Domantas Sabonis, Duarte, McCollum, and whoever is taken with their first-round pick is an intriguing combination.

Let’s take a closer look and see how this train would benefit both sides right away.