Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal 

There is an irony in this deal. Myles Turner, as a stretch big, would be the perfect player to compliment Simmons. Unfortunately, it’s hard to envision a deal where the Nets send Simmons to Indiana without receiving Turner. 

That’s fine. Of course, it does leave the Pacers without a floor-spacing big man to compliment Simmons. With that said, the Pacers already knew they wouldn’t put a perfect product on the floor in 2022-23. 

This deal is equally about the present and the future for Indiana. Simply put, they’re doing what the Pacers usually do: landing a quality player. They’ll sort out the fit after. In all likelihood, the next move here would be to find a stretch big to pair with Simmons. 

In the meantime, there’s still a lot to like about the fit. Simmons’ fit alongside Tyrese Haliburton is especially intriguing. Haliburton’s ability to space the floor while also handling secondary playmaking duties makes him a perfect co-star for Simmons.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets & Indiana Pacers Updates

The Pacers wouldn’t have a finished product here, but they would have the beginnings of something intriguing. 

The Nets, by contrast, would be looking for that finished product. Does this deal give it to them?