Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Myles Turner

Indiana Pacers Receive: F Kyle Kuzma, G Alex Caruso (sign-and-trade) and 2021 first-round pick

The Indiana Pacers will undoubtedly receive plenty of interest in Myles Turner should they make him available, but this trade package will be a competitive one from the Los Angeles Lakers.

The acquisition of Kyle Kuzma gives the Pacers a lot of insurance for their frontcourt. Doug McDermott is an unrestricted free agent, so Kuzma would represent a nice replacement for him with the second unit. He is not the shooter McDermott is but offers more scoring punch, better rebounding and improving defense.

Kuzma could also slide into the starting five if T.J. Warren is unable to return to form following his foot surgery in January. Warren is also on an expiring deal, so having Kuzma in the fold would lessen the blow should he not produce at the same level or leave in free agency.

Caruso provides the Pacers with an option should their other unrestricted free agent, T.J. McConnell, leave in free agency. McConnell was a key cog in the Pacers’ rotation and should receive plenty of interest in free agency. Caruso brings similar defensive pressure and whatever playmaking he lacks compared to McConnell he makes up with superior shooting.

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The first-round pick gives the Pacers a chance to balance out their roster when it comes to the salary cap. They are top-heavy in that regard and having a cost-efficient rookie contract would help. It would also give them another bargaining chip in their pursuit of Ben Simmons from the Philadelphia 76ers.