The present and the future are often at odds. Something may be fun now, but it may hurt later. That’s a balance we’ve all got to strike in life – including NBA teams.
Should a team focus on the present or the future? It depends on where they are. If a team has a generational player, they can’t afford to worry about the future. The time is now. For example, take the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron James is still on the roster. Even at his advanced age, he still produces like a star as well. Still, his time is limited. The Lakers need to prioritize competing for another NBA title before James retires. Could they do so by acquiring Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers?
The Trade Proposal
Indiana Pacers Receive: F Rui Hachimura, F/C Jarred Vanderbilt, F Taurean Prince, 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Myles Turner
With that in mind, some teams are distinctly future-focused. Those teams are rebuilding. They’re among the youngest teams in the NBA – and so accordingly, they’re focused on the future. Even still, some teams find themselves between those two extremes.
The Pacers are one of those teams. Will they win the NBA title next season? It’s extremely doubtful. On the other hand, the Pacers have enough talent to make the playoffs. If everything went well, they could even win a playoff series.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Los Angeles Lakers & Indiana Pacers Updates
By contrast, if everything went poorly, they could miss the postseason for a second year in a row. The Pacers are not playoff shoe-ins. With that in mind, this team could justify several different directions. Does this deal put them on the right course?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
In all likelihood, the Pacers will want to wait and see before making this deal. If they’re having a successful season, they’ll want to hang onto Turner. By contrast, if they’re once again mired in mediocrity, they may want to turn to the future.
It is worth noting that Turner is on a different timeline than this team’s other key players. Tyrese Haliburton, Benedict Mathurin, and Jarace Walker are all much younger. The Pacers have an exciting young core. With this deal, they’d be adding to it.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Los Angeles Lakers & Indiana Pacers Updates
After all, Hachimura is younger than Turner. So is Vanderbilt. They’re both quality young players with some upside. Still, this is mostly about the draft capital for Indiana. They’re landing a first-round pick and a swap in the distant future from an aging contender. Should the Lakers give all of that up for Turner?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Meanwhile, the Lakers would make this deal tomorrow if it was on the table. They’d have to. Turner could be the missing piece that gets this team in serious title contention.
All of the other pieces are there. James remains one of the best players in the NBA. Anthony Davis is an elite defensive anchor. Turner will compliment both. His ability to space the floor maximizes James’ playmaking, while his ability to defend the rim will make life easier on Davis as a defensive roamer.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Los Angeles Lakers & Indiana Pacers Updates
Finally, the Lakers would be leaning on their exceptionalism here. They don’t need first-round picks: they’re the Lakers. Eventually, a marquee player will want to sign with them – just like James did. With that privilege in mind, the Lakers don’t need to worry about the future.
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