The Indiana Pacers take on questionable contracts and give up some valuable pieces in arming themselves with a host of future picks.
Indiana are hitting rebuild mode, giving the keys to exciting 22-year-old point-guard Tyrese Haliburton. They’ve already dealt Malcolm Brogdon to the Boston Celtics during the offseason, and expect to see Turner and Hield follow suit shortly. Here’s how the deal works for them:
Indiana Pacers Receive: Russell Westbrook, Landry Shamet, Suns Top 3 Protected 2023 First-Round Pick, Lakers Unprotected 2027 First-Round Pick and Lakers Top 5 Protected 2029 First-Round Pick
Indiana Pacers Give: Myles Turner, Buddy Hield and Chris Duarte
You could argue that three first-rounders isn’t enough given the players coming in and those going out. However, it should be considered a fair return given neither Turner or Hield are All-Star level players, and Duarte’s unlikely to prosper into one.
Moving on from a lottery pick from last year would be a bold move, especially given Duarte showed plenty in a nice rookie season. But the reality is that he’s also 25 years of age, and there’s still question marks on the upside and what level he can get to in the league.
James and Davis will be 42 and 34 respectively by 2027, so the Pacers will be hoping the Lakers are struggling by that point, and that the pick conveys into a top five selection. That in itself would make the deal worth it, while the 2029 pick could equate somewhere between five and ten.
The Pacers would likely organise a buyout with Westbrook immediately, but they could use Shamet and try increase his value before re-selling to a contender for a pick that results in the twenties. They take on more salary here as well, however they’d still be under the luxury tax.