Today’s NBA is enamored with the 3-and-D skillset. If you can shoot from distance and defend, you’ll find a role in the league. It doesn’t even matter if you can do anything else. So, when teams can get a 3-and-D skillset in unexpected places, they’re happy to do so.
For example, if a star shot creator doubles as a 3-and-D wing, they’ll be among the most valuable players in the NBA. This is something that the Los Angeles Clippers are well aware of. They’ve got two shot-creating stars who double as 3-and-D wings. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George can both space the floor and lock opponents up, but they’re also capable of creating from scratch offense.
With that said, the Clippers are lacking a 3-and-D big man. That shouldn’t come as a shock. Even in today’s league, that’s an exceedingly rare skill set. Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers is one of the only players in the league who has it. Could the Clippers acquire him?
The Trade Proposal
Indiana Pacers Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., G/F Terance Mann, 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC), 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAC)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: C Myles Turner
In essence, three-point shooting and defending are the two most fundamental aspects of modern NBA basketball. That’s what makes 3-and-D players so valuable. Teams don’t have to cover for them when constructing their roster.
Think about it. Does your team have a superstar offensive player who can’t defend? That’s fine – but they’ll need elite defenders around them. How about an All-World defender who can’t shoot? That can work – as long as you’ve got four other floor spacers in your starting lineup. By contrast, 3-and-D players fit alongside anyone.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Perhaps that’s why we’ve seen Turner in so many trade proposals over the years. Big men who defend the rim and space the floor are scarce, and a lot of teams could use one. Should the Pacers really give him up?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
It doesn’t matter what Turner’s skillset is – the Pacers didn’t win many games last season. This team should be viewing itself through a rebuilding lens. In all likelihood, they’ll need to pair Tyrese Haliburton with a star scorer before they’re in a position to worry about hanging onto utility players like Turner.
This deal doesn’t net them one. On the other hand, it does net them the draft capital they’ll eventually need to trade for one. Moreover, losing Turner could force the Pacers to plunge to the bottom of the standings next year. If this deal allows the Pacers to pair Haliburton with a prospect like Ron Holland, it’ll be worth the cost of Turner.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
In terms of the incoming players, Mann is a solid piece that Indiana should be happy to add. He’s young enough to be part of a rebuild and plays a versatile 3-and-D brand in his own right. Should the Clippers part with him?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
Life is a little complicated for the Clippers right now. They’ve got the talent to contend for the NBA title. Unfortunately, this group struggles to stay healthy. The Clippers could justify either rebuilding or staying the course.
Let’s assume that they take the latter route. This deal would make them a much better team. Turner is the best player in this deal. Moreover, the Clippers would have a 3-and-D at every position after landing him. This team would have a clear philosophy that, if they can stay healthy, should lead to a lot of wins.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
They’ll also be entirely without draft capital. We understand that. The Clippers are already low on future first-round picks, and they’re exhausting their resources here. If they want to contend, adding Turner is worth the cost. By all accounts, the Clippers already know the value of his 3-and-D skillset.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
