The Trade
Pacers Receive: Kevin Love
Cavaliers Receive: Myles Turner and Jeremy Lamb
Fans of both teams may not love this deal, but other fans are going to be all about it.
Why would the Cavaliers make this trade? Myles Turner would still stretch the floor and he can play the four alongside Andre Drummond. Jeremy Lamb is a quality role player who can score the ball at a high level.
On the other hand, the Pacers would be getting a true stretch power forward with the addition of Love. That would clear up Sabonis to play the post and would give Indiana another shooter. Depending on who they hire as their next head coach, a lethal shooter and rebounder like Love would be a nice addition.
Moving on from Turner would be a tough thing to do for the Pacers. He is the longest-tenured player on the roster, but it might be time for the two sides to part ways. The Cavaliers showed interest in Turner at the trade deadline this year, but they acquired Drummond instead.
Kevin Pritchard and the Pacers were not happy with being swept in the first round of the NBA Playoffs by the Miami Heat. It led to the firing of head coach Nate McMillan. Both Mike D’Antoni and Chauncey Billups appear to be their main targets, with Becky Hammon and other candidates also being of interest.
Love to the Pacers and Turner to the Cavaliers seems like a great move for both sides. There are problems with both rosters, but a change of scenery could do both teams very well.
Expect to see the Pacers and Cavaliers be very active this offseason. Both teams are wanting to take the next step, with Indiana hoping to become a serious contender once again in the Eastern Conference and the Cavaliers simply trying to make the playoffs.
