Indiana Pacers Receive: G Devonte’ Graham, G/F Garrett Temple, 2023 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP)

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: C Myles Turner

From a strict value perspective, the Pacers should prefer the former package. With that said, in the context of their team, this might make more sense.

Flipping Turner for Valanciunas feels senseless. After all, part of why they’re moving Turner is presumably to make room for Jalen Smith and Isaiah Jackson. With this deal, they avoid those roster complications.

The veterans they’re getting back will be of minimal use to them. Graham is solid, but not a particularly logical target for the Pacers. Their best player is currently point guard Tyrese Haliburton and barring another summer trade, Malcolm Brogdon is their next best.

None of which particularly matters. They’ll find time for Graham, and Temple, at this stage of his career, won’t be shocked to find himself relegated to the end of the bench.

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On the other hand, this deal presents a similar roster crunch for the Pacers. They’ll now have Valanciunas and Turner on the roster.

The next deal here helps both teams avoid such complications by including a third team in the mix.