Before the Lakers traded Talen Horton-Tucker to the Jazz in the Patrick Beverley deal, the Pacers expressed interest in the 21-year-old wing, Michael Scotto said in the latest episode of the HoopsHype podcast.
As Scotto explains, the Pacers were interested in pursuing a deal that sent Buddy Hield, Myles Turner, and Daniel Theis to the Lakers in exchange for Russell Westbrook, Horton-Tucker, and Los Angeles’ 2027 and 2029 first-round picks. However, L.A. has been reluctant to include both of those first-rounders in any deal not involving Kyrie Irving, and wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about swapping Horton-Tucker for Theis.
Although Horton-Tucker is off the table, Indiana remains one of the two most likely landing spots for Westbrook, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, who says a deal involving the Pacers and Westbrook could involve just one of Hield or Turner — the Pacers still have $30MM+ in cap room and could take on Westbrook’s $47MM+ expiring contract without sending out both players. Still, Buha believes that Utah is a more viable destination for Westbrook than Indiana.
Here’s more on the Lakers from the HoopsHype podcast:
- Scotto has gotten the impression that Austin Reaves and the Lakers have mutual interest in continuing their relationship beyond the 2022/23 season. Reaves will be a restricted free agent next summer and will be seeking a pay bump on his minimum-salary contract.
- While Kendrick Nunn has been around the Lakers’ facility and has been working out, his ramp-up process has been slowed than anticipated, according to Buha. Nunn said a month ago that he feels 100% healthy, but the acquisition of Beverley gives the team some extra insurance at point guard.
- A reunion between Carmelo Anthony and the Lakers remains possible, in Buha’s view, but he believes the veteran forward is more likely to land elsewhere. L.A. still needs more shooting, which Anthony could provide, but also wants to continue to upgrade its perimeter defense, which isn’t one of Carmelo’s strengths.
To think the Lakers could have received Kyle Lowry if they were willing to trade THT.
He hasn’t been so great either though honestly.
Thanks for the laugh
Lakers don’t want to give up anything for value. They will see a first round exit this year if they even make it to the playoffs!
It’s understandable to not want to trade away multiple first round picks in the future. While Hield and Turner would be nice additions, they aren’t exactly an earth shattering return that is worth mortgaging their future first round picks. I’m hoping that the Pacers end up accepting just one of those picks but now that THT is off the table it seems less likely that they could get them both for just one future first rounder.
That’s the quandary. Hield alone is not worth a 1st. Turner alone is not worth a 1st. The only reason this trade makes any sense is to rid yourself of Westbrook’s contract. Giving away 2 1sts and receiving 2 longer contracts does not net you much positive value.
It’s best to wait and see how the whole Jazz & Knicks deal materializes.
Let’s face the facts if Westbrook stumbles out the first 10 games they will be willing to trade 2 draft picks for players that can help them this year. So it will be up to Westbrook. If he is willing to be coached and play defense he will not be traded. His attitude will be the thing to see him go or stay.
Yeah that is the most frustrating thing about Westbrook. He’s just about as athletic as any player on the court at any given time, he just refuses to adjust and channel that athleticism into defense and playing team basketball. If I’m him and I have no rings I would absolutely embrace the “Rodman” role on the Lakers and do whatever it took to beat the hell out of teams every single night. Sometimes a person’s ego can get in the way of a good thing.
Westbrook is athletic but doesn’t have that winning mentality. He refuses to stay disciplined on both ends of the floor and can’t shoot.
Why do the Lakers place so much value on Hield and Turner if they’re apparently worth so little and how is that trade beneficial to the Pacers?
Melo please just go back to the Lakers already. And thank you!
I wouldn’t mind having him deep on the bench. He’s a good teammate and seems to know his own weaknesses and strengths at this point of his career. He wouldn’t be a bad guy to have come off the bench deep and shoot the ball a little as long as he has help on defense surrounding him.
For what it’s worth I have also liked the way Dwight has played with the Lakers towards the end of his career. I’m surprised he isn’t being talked about more as far as another deep bench piece. I think something happened last season between him and AD and they don’t get along very well.
It’s fair trade
Westbrook and 2 unprotected for Turner and Hield
Lakers save big luxury tax
1 unprotected First to take Westbrook
1 unprotected for 2 players
Lakers sacrificed
Lakers improve their short term position considerably with Hield and Turner. Lakers go to the western conference finals or possibly finals if everyone remains healthy. The trade cleans up a horrible trade for Westbrook from the previous year. The 27 & 29 picks probably will be in the 20-30 range I’m not sure how beneficial the trade is for the pacers but might give the Lakers and Lebron a shot at another title. If you’re a lakers fan you have to love it!
Once Lebron is gone, Lakers doesnt have much left besides Anthony Davis to trade with.
I really feel that after 2025 Lakers might be in the lottery so these picks have value.
If traded away the Lakers cannot go in tanking mode anymore also…
The pacers traded for Halliburton and Hield and in the last 2 drafts have selected Duarte and Mathurin which leads me to believe they would like to become competitive sooner than later. They have a better chance of doing that with Turner and Hield than 2 draft picks 5 & 7 years down the road respectively. Just my opinion though.
Would love to wrap Reaves up today
Word is he’s made the starting and closing lineup today as currently constructed. Might be able to save half the cost making the deal today rather than end season. He plays so well w LBJ