Some rumors refuse to die. Usually, that’s because there are some reasonable grounds to believe them. That doesn’t mean that they’re necessarily true. Just ask an NBA player.
Some players are constantly the subject of trade rumors. They don’t always end up getting traded. Yet, we continue to speculate. For example, take Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers. When the Pacers extended him, Turner may have expected that the constant trade rumors surrounding him would cease. Wrong. Did the Pacers extend him just to increase his trade value?
Time will tell. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers always find themselves in the midst of trade rumors. That makes sense. The Lakers are among the most high-profile teams in the NBA. You probably know where we’re going with this, but in case you don’t: here’s a deal that sends Turner to the Lakers.
The Trade Proposal
Indiana Pacers Receive: F Rui Hachimura, F/C Jarred Vanderbilt, G/F Cam Reddish, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Myles Turner
Meanwhile, there are certain types of teams that tend to be the subject of trade rumors. Certain types of players tend to draw speculation as well. The Pacers and Turner each fit the bill. Allow us to elaborate.
Typically, middling teams with quality players are the subject of rumors. After all, they need to find their way out of the middle – one way or another. If a team decides to rebuild, the players on that team are often open for business.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Moreover, some players just fit any type of team. We’re talking about the league’s skeleton keys. If you can shoot, and defend, you can probably play on any team in the league. That’s part of why Turner has been the subject of so many trade rumors. Should the Lakers make a move for him?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
This trade wouldn’t be legal at the moment. The Lakers extended Hachimura and signed Reddish this summer. As a result, both are subject to trade restrictions. That’s perfect – after all, the Lakers shouldn’t do this deal unless they’re underperforming.
Let’s suppose they are leading up to the deadline. Turner would be a perfect fit for this roster. In fact, he’s a perfect fit on any roster. Turner’s ability to space, protect the rim, and shoot make him an invaluable player. He’ll join forces with Anthony Davis to assemble one of the best defenses in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Meanwhile, the Lakers are in no position to spare expenses. LeBron James is approaching the end of his career. This team should do whatever they can to secure him one more championship. Acquiring Turner could aid that cause. Should the Pacers help the Lakers achieve that goal?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
Similarly, the Pacers shouldn’t rush to do this deal either. This organization is probably hoping to win more games in 2023-24 than they did last season. Sure. What if they’re not?
In that event, the Pacers will have a lot of incentive to rebuild. There’s a lot of young talent on this roster. Tyrese Haliburton looks like a superstar in the making. Benedict Mathurin and Jarace Walker have plenty of upside as well. Indiana could start making moves that prioritize the future.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
This deal would do that. Hachimura and Vanderbilt are both intriguing young players at positions of need. Still, the most valuable asset that the Pacers are receiving here is the Lakers’ unprotected first-rounder. The Lakers are aging, and that makes this pick especially valuable. Perhaps that’s why it’s been the subject of trade rumors for so long.
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