Why This Trade Makes Sense For The Indiana Pacers
Over the years, Myles Turner has constantly proved himself to be an excellent two-way player, yet the Pacers have too much talent to give him and chance to expand his game. His numbers have taken a hit as a result and Indiana may not be the best fit for him anymore.
If the Pacers were to trade Turner now while his value is at an all-time high, they could potentially get Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, two guys who can aid them in their playoff push now and in the future. Many people tend to forget that KCP is only 27-years old and still has plenty of years left in his career.
Being the three-point threat that he is, he could drastically help a Pacers offense that currently ranks 14th in three-point shooting percentage. Kuzma on the other hand can not only contribute for many years to come, but can be an integral core player for Indiana.
Since entering the league in 2017, Kyle Kuzma has averaged 15.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists and has shot 44.9% from the floor and 33.3% from three-point range. He still has plenty of room to grow as a shooter and could improve as a physical rebounder, but his versatility and athleticism to play on the wing or in the post is what makes him unique and a player the Lakers covet.
Given Marc Gasol’s struggles with the Lakers and the fact that they would be getting Myles Turner, he would also be included in this trade package. In the Pacers’ frontcourt, Domantas Sabonis is their only legit player, giving Gasol plenty of minutes and a chance to ease himself into the game, something he does not have currently with the Lakers since they have both Davis and Harrell.
All three guys could make a big impact on this Indiana Pacers team this year, especially since Malcolm Brogdon, Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis are all playing at high-levels. The three guys coming in would not have to step into bigger roles than they are already in and could be great complimentary players for the Pacers’ stars.
Bolstering their depth all around the court and picking up legit offensive threats could go a long way for the Pacers and ultimately help them snap their streak of losing five consecutive playoff series in the first-round. By making this trade, Indiana gives up a great interior defender, but gains the necessary assets to make it to the Eastern Conference Semifinals and potentially further.
