Just two seasons removed from being a top-four team in the Eastern Conference, the Indiana Pacers are all but revving up for a total rebuild.
Dealing away Domantas Sabonis last season was the first big move. Next came shipping out Malcolm Brogdon to the Boston Celtics, and now, if rumors are to be believed, big man Myles Turner is next to be traded away.
Keep in mind that the Pacers didn't make a significant selection in the 2022 NBA Draft. They were reportedly trying to move up in the draft, but it never happened since they maintained the No. 6 overall pick and selected Arizona guard Bennedict Mathurin with it. The Montreal-born Mathurin is an interesting and potentially explosive prospect, but the jury is still out on the kind of real impact he'll give to the Pacers.
Indy has also been pretty quiet during free agency, though they did re-sign Jalen Smith. He put up good numbers in 22 games with the Pacers last season, and it'll be interesting what part he will play in their rebuild.
#Pacers center Myles Turner with a message on his IG story to Malcolm Brogdon following Brogdon’s trade to the #Celtics:
“Untill Next Time Cap 🫡” pic.twitter.com/bOptSPcJTo
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) July 2, 2022
Speaking of the rebuild, it will all be hinged on the kind of value the Pacers will get for Turner. Some felt he should have been dealt during last season's trade deadline and maybe even shipped to the Minnesota Timberwolves before they got Rudy Gobert.
The thing with Turner is there's no clear indication that a contract extension will see the light of day. His skill-set would be better off serving another team, perhaps a bona fide contender, rather than languish in the midst of a challenging rebuild. He's also in the final year of his contract before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2023, which will make him an even more enticing trade prospect for other teams.
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Unrealistic Pacers Trades In 2022 NBA Offseason
Pacers get Scottie Barnes, Gary Trent Jr, Khem Birch, and an unprotected 2023 first round pick; Raptors get Myles Turner and Buddy Hield
If the Pacers are willing to shoot for the moon, then pulling the trigger on this trade would be ideal. A rebuilding Pacers would receive two very promising talents who are younger than 24 years old. Scottie Barnes is centerpiece material, while Gary Trent Jr would combo really well with Tyrese Haliburton in the backcourt. Birch shores up the frontline a bit, but the unprotected 2023 first round pick is the real kicker here. Even if that pick turns out to be in the 20s, it will still yield a lot of value for the Pacers.
This trade would also put the Pacers under the cap, giving them a bit more leeway to go for more pieces in the future.
As for the Raptors, they get a true center without sacrificing their vaunted versatility. Turner is known as a decent perimeter shooter and rim protector, both of which the Raptors badly need.
Pacers get Gordon Hayward, a 2023 first round pick via Denver, and an unprotected 2024 first round pick; Hornets get Myles Turner and TJ McConnell
Not this would be prime rebuilding mode for the Pacers. Gordon Hayward is already 32 years old, and though he can still score in double-figures, he's no franchise-changing player. Adding Hayward's $30 million salary on the books may also seem counterintuitive, but the true value lies in the two first rounders in 2023 and 2024.
On the other end, the Charlotte Hornets would get an upgrade at the slot. Turner's shooting and shot-blocking would be welcome additions for the Hornets, while McConnell also gives them a true pass-first point guard back-up to LaMelo Ball.
Pacers get Mikal Bridges, 2023 first round pick, and 2024 first round pick; Suns get Myles Turner
Assuming DeAndre Ayton does go — and all signs point to that happening — the Suns will need a good player to man their center spot. Turner is that guy. This would also mean the Suns will get about $3 million in cap space to play with since Bridges's salary for the coming year is actually bigger than Turner's. Myles should also not be a huge step down from Ayton. Whereas Ayton may be a better roll guy, Turner is surely a much better shooter.
As for the Pacers, they get an athletic and explosive small forward who should be a good running mate for Tyrese Haliburton. And more importantly, the Pacers get not one but two first rounders.
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