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The Indiana Pacers are off to an 11-16 start. Reports surfaced Tuesday that the Pacers were looking to move key players to rebuild the structure of the team. Names like Myles Turner, Domantas Sabonis are rumored to be available for the trade market, and they both seem to be a good fit for the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors have overachieved in the rebounding department so far this season, and they lack the size to block shots in the paint. Turner or Sabonis makes perfect sense to pair with Draymond Green in the starting frontcourt. The addition of one of the two could add security in the two areas they can lack when facing elite teams, which are rebounding and blocking shots.
Sabonis is one of the NBA's best rebounders, but he also can do other things. He's an excellent passer for a big man, and the two-time All-Star can score. This season Sabonis averages 18.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists.
Adding the 25-year-old Sabonis, you are getting a skilled big man heading into his prime. He has made the All-Star team two consecutive seasons, and with his style of play, he could make more if he's on the Warriors. He is shooting at 58% from the field and doesn't need a lot of attempts to make an impact. That is the kind of player the Warriors could quickly implement into what they already are doing.
Hear more on trading for Turner or Sabonis on the Warriors' Multiverse podcast by ClutchPoints
Then there is the talented 25-year-old center in Myles Turner. He averages 12.9 points and 7.3 rebounds this season. He might be an even better fit than Sabonis because he gives the team something they cannot do. Turner can add elite rim protection for the Warriors. He is leading the NBA in blocks this year, and it's the third time in his career he's been the top guy in that category.
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The Warriors currently rank 19th in blocks per game at 4.6 a night. Adding Turner, who averages a league-best 2.8, would move the Dubs to the best shot-blocking team in the NBA. But protecting the rim isn't all Turner does. He can step behind the three-point line and knock down open threes. So the best shooting team in the NBA would also be getting more help in that category.
The only problem with making either one of these trades is chemistry. The team is running like a machine, and when you take out a part, the device has to stop momentarily. That doesn't mean swapping the pieces out won't work better than ever, but there will be an adjustment period.
When Klay Thompson and James Wiseman return, you're going to have a similar situation. The only difference is both players have experience with the team. There won't be much of a learning period. They only have to fit into a system they know. It's easier said than done, but it should be simpler than bringing in a new player.
If trading for one of the Pacers' big men is a real possibility going after them makes a lot of sense. You have two guys entering their primes who can give you something you don't have. The fact that the team is 21-4 and appears to be arguably the best team in the league, they shouldn't make a move yet.
However, there is a negative to passing on one of the two. Turner and Sabonis can land on another elite team and give them everything the Warriors don't have. That can be a massive problem for the Dubs. So the team must get this right. It can be the difference between winning a championship or being the runner-up.
