Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon

Indiana Pacers Receive: F Talen Horton-Tucker, G Kendrick Nunn, 2023 Second-Round Pick (via CHI), 2024 Second-Round Pick (via WAS or MEM), Cap Filler

In this first trade scenario, the Los Angeles Lakers are unable to convince the Indiana Pacers to take Russell Westbrook off their hands. So, they upgrade their rotation still but sacrifice even more depth in the process.

Malcolm Brogdon would be a good fit in the backcourt alongside Westbrook if the Lakers are unable to move him. His strengths compensate for Westbrook’s weaknesses, as Brogdon is a very good defender and 3-point shooter. His spacing would be key to making things work offensively.

The Pacers could shop around for better players in the return package for Brogdon, but it is tough to gauge what his market may be. He has battled injuries in recent seasons which will suppress things a little bit.

This package from the Lakers would accomplish a few things for Indiana. Their future salary cap is slashed even more, as Brogdon has three seasons remaining on his deal while Talen Horton-Tucker has two and Kendrick Nunn has one.

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They make less than Brogdon as well, so the Lakers would have to cut a little more than $3 million from the roster to make this trade possible.

Indiana also receives two second-round picks in this deal. They would likely push for a first-rounder, but getting back the 21-year-old Horton-Tucker is likely what the Lakers would push as draft compensation as he is younger than some players in this year’s draft class despite having three years of NBA experience.

A team re-tooling as the Indiana Pacers are, the second-round picks still represent some solid value for the future.