Los Angeles Lakers
Indiana Pacers Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Golden State Warriors Receive: C Myles Turner
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F/C Draymond Green, G/F Buddy Hield
If the Warriors are going to move Green, they’ll need to bring back a quality defensive player. Otherwise, they’ll suffer too dramatically from his loss.
Turner fits the bill. Granted, he’s a different type of defender from Green. He’s generally less impactful and far less versatile. On the other hand, he’s a full-time rim protector. Moreover, he’s actually a more reliable floor spacer than Green on the offensive end.
Meanwhile, the other two teams here have an obvious incentive to get involved in this deal. The Los Angeles Lakers badly need to improve on their 2021-22 season. This deal will help them do it.
Green should pair with Anthony Davis and LeBron James to give the Lakers one of the best defensive front courts in the NBA, and a floor-spacer like Hield always holds value.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers & Indiana Pacers Updates
On the other hand, the Pacers may be desperate to lose. In a season where many teams are expected to tank ahead of a historic draft, the Pacers are close enough to the bottom of the standings to secure top odds. This deal would help them do that.
Generally, this Pacers organization refuses to tank. Just don’t make the mistake of assuming it’s unthinkable.
