February 24, 2025
myles-turner-in-action-against-the-suns

Bold 3-Team Trade Proposal Lands Myles Turner with the Lakers

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers are in search of bolstering their roster, particularly in the center position, where the team has struggled in terms of both defense and rebounding. While they have talented players in LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers lack a true rim protector and a consistent inside presence that could help propel them into title contention. This 3-team trade proposal could potentially solve their biggest weaknesses and make them a much more dangerous team come postseason time.

Overview of the Proposed Trade

The centerpiece of this trade is Myles Turner, a player who has long been on the radar of the Lakers due to his elite rim protection, shot-blocking abilities, and solid three-point shooting. Turner is the perfect fit for the Lakers’ defensive needs, offering the kind of shot-blocking presence that has been missing since Dwight Howard’s departure. Moreover, his ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting is a valuable asset for a team that needs floor spacing around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

In this bold proposal, the Lakers would acquire Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers. To make this a viable deal, a third team is required to facilitate the trade, as it allows the Pacers to receive the assets they need to improve their roster while the Lakers get the player they need to compete for a championship.

The Trade Breakdown

Lakers Receive:

  • Myles Turner (C)

Pacers Receive:

  • Russell Westbrook (PG)
  • 2027 First-Round Pick (Lakers)
  • 2029 First-Round Pick (Lakers)
  • Kendrick Nunn (SG)
  • Max Christie (SG)

Third Team (Toronto Raptors) Receives:

  • Patrick Beverley (PG)
  • Lakers 2025 Second-Round Pick

Why the Lakers Do This:

The Lakers are in win-now mode, and acquiring Myles Turner would significantly improve their chances of competing for a championship. Turner’s defensive presence in the paint would give Anthony Davis the ability to roam more freely, as Davis would no longer have to carry the burden of protecting the rim at all times. Turner’s three-point shooting (currently at 36% for the season) would also give the Lakers much-needed floor spacing. Turner would be a perfect complement to Davis and LeBron, and his shot-blocking ability would provide an additional layer of defense for the team.

From a financial standpoint, acquiring Turner also allows the Lakers to move off of Russell Westbrook’s contract, which has been a point of contention for the team this season. While Westbrook has been a valuable contributor off the bench, his salary and fit with the roster have made it difficult to build around the core of LeBron and AD. The Lakers are in a situation where they can no longer afford to let Westbrook’s contract hang over their plans. In sending Westbrook, the Lakers free up future cap space and create a more balanced roster.

In addition to Westbrook, the Lakers would send out their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks. These picks represent future assets that could be vital for the Lakers, but the team is willing to part with them in order to secure a proven talent like Myles Turner. The addition of a reliable center capable of impacting both ends of the floor is worth the risk of giving up some future draft capital. The Lakers are clearly looking to maximize their championship window with LeBron James in the fold, and Turner could be the missing piece.

Why the Pacers Do This:

The Indiana Pacers are in the midst of a rebuild and looking to position themselves for the future. They have been rumored to be shopping Myles Turner for several seasons, and now might be the right time to cash in on his value. In exchange for Turner, the Pacers acquire Russell Westbrook’s expiring contract, which would give them financial flexibility moving forward.

In addition to Westbrook, the Pacers receive two first-round picks (2027 and 2029), which gives them a strong foundation for their rebuild. The Pacers can use these picks to add more talent through the draft or even flip them for more immediate help. Kendrick Nunn, while not a star, provides depth at the guard position, and Max Christie is a young prospect with potential. Christie, in particular, could be a long-term project that fits into the Pacers’ youth movement.

The Pacers may also value Westbrook’s leadership and experience, especially if they decide to keep him for a season or more. His contract provides the team with more flexibility, and in the short term, Westbrook can still contribute in a way that helps the Pacers in the present. This is especially important for a team looking to stay competitive while also planning for the future.

Why the Raptors Do This:

The third team in this deal is the Toronto Raptors, who have been looking for ways to improve their roster without sacrificing too much long-term flexibility. By taking on Patrick Beverley, the Raptors would add a veteran point guard with a defensive mindset and a leader on the floor. Beverley’s tenacity on defense would provide a solid complement to the Raptors’ other defensive-minded players, like Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby.

The Raptors are also getting an additional second-round pick (2025), which can be valuable for a team that is always looking to improve its depth. Beverley could also be used as a trade piece down the road, should the Raptors decide to pivot toward a different direction. The addition of Beverley would not only help them in the short term but also gives them more trade flexibility if they wish to make moves later on.

In addition, the Raptors can balance their roster better with Beverley’s defense and leadership, while not overcommitting to a full-scale trade involving their core pieces. Toronto could still compete for a playoff spot this season, and adding Beverley could make them a more dangerous team in the Eastern Conference.

The Impact on the Lakers’ Roster:

Acquiring Myles Turner would immediately give the Lakers a more balanced and deep roster. Here’s a look at what their lineup could look like post-trade:

Starting Lineup:

  1. D’Angelo Russell (PG)
  2. Austin Reaves (SG)
  3. LeBron James (SF)
  4. Anthony Davis (PF)
  5. Myles Turner (C)

Bench:

  • Dennis Schröder (PG)
  • Troy Brown Jr. (SF)
  • Lonnie Walker IV (SG)
  • Thomas Bryant (C)

This lineup is a clear improvement over their current roster, with more balance in terms of scoring, defense, and shooting. Myles Turner’s ability to space the floor and protect the rim alongside Davis gives the Lakers one of the best defensive frontcourts in the league, while LeBron and Russell provide a high level of playmaking and offensive firepower.

The Lakers now have a legitimate chance to make a deep playoff run, with a roster that has the right mix of veterans and young contributors. LeBron James still has a few years left at the top of his game, and pairing him with Turner and Davis creates a Big 3 that could contend with the best in the league.