Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal 

The Pacers have plenty of incentive to move Turner. For starters, at 27, he’s a bit off of what projects to be a lengthy rebuilding timeline. Perhaps more importantly, he may already feel alienated from the team. 

After all, the Pacers offered Deandre Ayton a max rookie extension this summer. The Suns matched it, so Turner’s starting spot is safe. Still, he’s left with the knowledge that his team tried to replace him. 

It feels like this partnership has expired. If that’s the case, the only question is whether this is market value for Turner. By our estimation, it is. 

Sure, Washington is on an expiring contract. So is Turner. The Pacers get a rental of a much younger (23) and highly valuable player here. If all goes well, Washington is likely to re-sign at the right price and take an opportunity to be part of an ascending group. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Charlotte Hornets & Indiana Pacers Updates

Still, the most important asset the Pacers get back here is an unprotected first-round pick. It’s hard to say where the Hornets will be by 2024, but if the Pacers are lucky, it could be a valuable selection. Who knows? They may use it to select their starting big man of the future.