Indiana Pacers Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2026 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL), 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, C Myles Turner

In NBA history, few players have had stranger careers than Russell Westbrook.

In fairness, few have had such highly decorated ones either. Westbrook effectively reinvented the triple-double. He changed our perception of what statistical feats were realistic almost single-handedly. He’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer without debate.

He’s also developed into a problematic player on the floor. Westbrook’s poor shooting makes him a difficult fit alongside another elite ball-handler. In other words, if he’s not in a position to rack up points and assists indiscriminately, he’s not particularly valuable.

That makes trading him a difficult proposition. After all, no team in the NBA is likely to offer Westbrook dominion over their offense.

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Still, with some sweeteners, his expiring contract could be appealing to a rebuilding team.

The Pacers are rebuilding. Are they getting enough back here relative to what they’re giving up?