Indiana Pacers Receive: G Eric Gordon, 2022 First-Round Pick (No. 17 – HOU), 2023 First-Round Pick (MIL)
Houston Rockets Receive: C Myles Turner
Eric Gordon is an Indiana native. That’s not a significant factor in this deal, but it feels like a factoid worth noting.
Otherwise, this deal is all about parting with assets they can spare for both sides. For the Pacers, they’re willing to move Myles Turner for an expiring contract and draft capital because they’re plush at his position. Between him, Isaiah Jackson, and Jalen Smith, they’ll have three big men worthy of heavy rotation in 2022-23. Moving Turner clears up a logjam.
Meanwhile, the Rockets have been stockpiling first-rounders for some time. They already own their own selection in the 2023 draft. On the very remote chance that they’re better than the Brooklyn Nets next season, they’ll swap selections with them. More significantly, they made four first-round selections in the 2021 draft.
They could easily decide that they’ve got enough youth to develop. Here, they’re parting with the 17th overall pick in the upcoming draft and a Bucks pick that’s unlikely to land in the lottery in exchange for Turner.
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If anything, the Pacers may decide that’s not enough. If they want a more proven player in exchange for Turner, this next deal will suit them better.
