[brid autoplay=”true” video=”816273″ player=”23231″ title=”Top%20NBA%20free%20agents%20of%202021″ duration=”53″ description=”Unlike last offseason, we’re going to see a ton of top end NBA free agents in 2021. Players like future Hall of Famers Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul will likely opt out of their contracts and hit the open market.Meanwhile, there’s a large amount of talented youngsters set to become restricted free agents. That list includes Atlanta Hawks big man John Collins and Lonzo Ball of the New Orleans Pelicans.” uploaddate=”2021-06-29″ thumbnailurl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/thumb/816273_t_1624987441.png” contentUrl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/sd/816273.mp4″]
The Indiana Pacers and Golden State Warriors have been engaged in trade talks that would send Myles Turner to San Francisco ahead of the 2021 NBA Draft later this month.
It’s not a surprise that the Warriors would join another California team in that of the Los Angeles Lakers as being heavily involved in NBA trade rumors. They have the assets to pull off a move or two, including multiple lottery selections in this year’s draft.
As for Indiana, new head coach Rick Carlisle might see Turner as an odd fit next to fellow big man and two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis.
The Pacers are not going to sell off assets without seemingly improving their chances of short-term contention following a down 2020-21 season. That makes a potential trade of Turner to Golden State a bit convoluted. Below, we look at three different scenarios that could work.
Golden State Warriors acquire Myles Turner from Indiana Pacers for James Wiseman
- Warriors get: Myles Turner
- Pacers get: James Wiseman, Kevon Looney, 14th pick
A move of this ilk would enable Indiana to either trade up in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft or move one of the selections for a proven player at another position. The Pacers have been involved in trade talks with the Houston Rockets for Eric Gordon. He’d be a nice fit in the backcourt with Caris LeVert and Malcolm Brogdon. Acquiring Wiseman would be an ends to a means, potentially setting up the opportunity to trade him for other assets.
On the other hand, it’s not yet known whether Golden State would even consider parting ways with the 20-year-old Wiseman in a package for a true star player in return. While he was inconsistent and injury-plagued as a rookie, there’s still a ton of upside here. Even then, acquiring the 25-year-old Turner would be seen as a win over the short-term. Here’s a dude who averaged a league-high 3.4 blocks per game last season and is seen as one of the top low-post defenders in the NBA. Imagine him teaming up with Draymond Green.
Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors pull off blockbuster Myles Turner trade
- Warriors get: Myles Turner, T.J. Warren, Justin Holiday, 13th pick
- Pacers get: Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman
Warren, 27, would be the true wildcard in this hypothetical blockbuster trade. The wing missed all but four games this past season after undergoing foot surgery. Back in 2019-20, the former first-round pick averaged 19.8 points on 54% shooting from the field. His trade value will depend heavily on how teams view the aforementioned injury and whether that season’s performance was a mirage.
This would also impact a potential blockbuster between Indiana and Golden State. What we do know is that Andrew Wiggins no longer has negative trade value after a stellar all-around performance in his first season with the Warriors. Teaming him up with Brodgon, LeVert and Sabonis would put Indiana in a tremendous position to compete back east next season. Heck, Wiseman could be the starting five in this scenario.
Now, would the Warriors part with both Wiseman and Wiggins without acquiring a true star like Bradley Beal? I am not too sure. What this trade does do is give Golden State a ton more depth and options moving forward. If healthy, Warren is a decent replacement for Wiggins. Holiday can back up at both guard positions behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Adding yet another lottery pick would also give general manager Bob Myers more options heading into the draft.
Myles Turner sent to Golden State Warriors in sign-and-trade move
- Warriors get: Myles Turner
- Pacers get: Kelly Oubre, 14th pick
From Golden State’s perspective, this might be the best possible option if the team is serious about acquiring Turner. It would retain Wiggins, Wiseman and the seventh pick to potentially pull off a blockbuster trade for someone like Beal. Using Oubre’s status as a pending free agent and acquiring assets in a sign-and-trade would be absolutely huge.
With that said, Indiana might demand more than just Oubre and a mid first-round pick in exchange for Myles Turner. Perhaps, Golden State bites the bullet and offers up the seventh pick. But from an on-court perspective, this makes sense for Indiana. Despite some struggles shooting the ball early last season, Oubre is a legit three-and-D wing. He’d work well with Brogdon and LeVert out on the perimeter. Adding the 14th selection go with their first-round pick (13th overall) would also enable Indiana to pull off at least one more deal for a proven veteran.