Indiana Pacers Receive: G Russell Westbrook, F Talen Horton-Tucker, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Myles Turner, G Buddy Hield, G T.J. McConnell, C Daniel Theis
This trade is likely the least realistic to happen. The Los Angeles Lakers have tried different combinations to pique the Indiana Pacers’ interest in a trade, but nothing has worked to this point.
This trade cannot occur for two months, as Daniel Theis was acquired in the Malcolm Brogdon trade earlier in the offseason, so that gives the Lakers some time to try and convince the Pacers to do a deal.
There are a lot of positives to this Lakers deal for the Pacers. They are acquiring another young player in Talen Horton-Tucker to add to their stable of young, high-upside players. The first-round picks could also prove to be extremely valuable as no one knows what the Lakers will look like that far down the road.
Indiana is also clearing a ton of cap space, which will provide them the chance to take on salary down the road with draft compensation attached. It is rebuilding 101, adding draft capital in exchange for taking on contracts a team has to move. We saw the Detroit Pistons do it with the New York Knicks this offseason and the Oklahoma City Thunder have become renowned for it.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Indiana Pacers Trending Toward Myles Turner Trade Amid Rebuild
Theis, T.J. McConnell and Buddy Hield all have multiple years on their contract remaining, so Indiana clears that future space. The only real downside to this deal is what to do with Russell Westbrook.
With Tyrese Haliburton in the mix, they do not need another point guard. It could turn into a situation similar to what the Houston Rockets just did with John Wall. As an expiring deal, Westbrook could have some value ahead of the trade deadline.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Indiana Pacers Trending Toward Myles Turner Trade Amid Rebuild
The Los Angeles Lakers have been reluctant to attach draft capital to Russell Westbrook thus far, but in a package that nets them four rotation pieces to rebuild their roster, they should seriously reconsider.
