Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Jakob Poeltl
Indiana Pacers Receive: F Doug McDermott, F Devin Vassell, 2022 First-Round Pick (No. 13 – CHA)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Myles Turner, F P.J. Washington
By including the Charlotte Hornets in this deal, the Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs both get better value in the trade.
After all, if the Spurs are landing Turner, they might as well move Poeltl. Otherwise, they risk creating the same logjam the Pacers are relieving by making this trade.
Meanwhile, the Hornets should be happy to help them avoid that problem. They badly need a starting center. Poeltl would be a perfect fit. He’s a high-end rim protector who can defend in space when necessary. He’ll also provide LaMelo Ball with an outstanding pick-and-roll partner.
The Hornets are paying a steep cost to acquire him here. P.J. Washington is a versatile frontcourt player who provides spacing and perimeter defense. They’re also parting ways with the 13th overall pick in the upcoming draft. They happen to need Poeltl badly enough to overlook the cost here.
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In other words, this deal makes sense for all parties involved. With that said, if the Hornets acquire a starting big by another means, the Spurs and Pacers may look for another team to help facilitate a deal.
