Why the Indiana Pacers Should Do It

The Indiana Pacers could be one of the most interesting teams to watch this offseason. Will they keep Victor Oladipo? Will they pursue Gordon Hayward if he opts out? Will they trade a frontcourt player — and if so, Myles Turner or Domantas Sabonis?

In this hypothetical, they go all-in on Turner by trading Sabonis. Marcus Smart is the headliner, and if the Pacers were to acquire Smart, would they then feel emboldened to move Oladipo in a separate deal?

Smart and Malcolm Brogdon could compose Indiana’s new backcourt, and the Pacers would receive additional NBA Draft assets if they traded Oladipo separately. As far as this deal, the Pacers hypothetically acquire two 1st rounders this year, after not having any initially. 

Langford is a young guard who could develop given time and more of an opportunity than what he will receive with the Boston Celtics. And the future 1st rounder serves as an asset down the line as well. 

It would be tough to part with Sabonis because of his talent and age. But with Turner still in place, this deal could make sense for Indiana.