There may not be two teams linked more in NBA trade rumors that haven’t actually gotten a deal done than the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers.
The focus of those rumors has been the possibility of a deal involving Russell Westbrook and draft picks in exchange for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield. There have also been various trade scenarios discussed involving only Turner and just Hield.
By pursuing a trade for just one of Turner or Hield, the Lakers wouldn’t have to send out as much draft capital to entice the Pacers to part with key talent and to take on Westbrook’s contract.
The appeal of Turner as a trade target for the Lakers is clear. He’s a stretch-five that is an elite shot blocker, and if paired with Anthony Davis, scoring in the paint would be a nightmare for opposing teams. Why has a trade not taken place yet?
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Los Angeles Lakers & Indiana Pacers Updates
According to The Athletic, a key factor in the Lakers not completing a trade with the Pacers involving Turner is that he will reach unrestricted free agency next summer. The cost to re-sign him could begin with a starting salary of $25 million per season.
“Turner, meanwhile, is in the final season of a four-year, $80 million extension he signed in 2018. The talented center’s desire to reach unrestricted free agency in 2023, along with an expected price tag that could begin at $25 million per year, are known to be significant factors in the Lakers’ calculus.”
“Sources also say the Lakers had focused on the question of whether they want three frontcourt players (James, Anthony Davis and Turner) atop their payroll in a perimeter-oriented league. The Lakers are currently slated to have upwards of $34 million in projected cap space next summer, bringing flexibility for free agency or trades.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Los Angeles Lakers & Indiana Pacers Updates
The Pacers face complications with Turner’s contract situation at the start of this season. The team is limited to offering just 120 percent of the $17.5 million final-year salary on his current contract for the first year of an extension — making it more lucrative for him just to wait and enter free agency.
The advantage for the Los Angeles Lakers for executing a trade this season would be to have Turner’s Bird rights. They would be able to exceed the salary cap to re-sign him when getting a new deal done. Otherwise, it would require a challenging sign-and-trade package to facilitate.
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