2 win-now trades that would bolster the Brooklyn Nets’ abysmal defense

Trade #1: The Brooklyn Nets receive Myles Turner. The Indiana Pacers receive Joe Harris, Cam Thomas, and an unprotected 2027 first-round pick via Philadelphia.

Why the Nets do it: Myles Turner is one of the premier rim protectors in the league, averaging 2.3 blocks per game throughout his eight years in the NBA and having led the league in two of those years, per Basket Ball Reference. One thing that is really attractive about Turner is his ability to stretch the floor as a shooter.

This is useful for any team, but more so for the Nets, who have Ben Simmons on their roster. Simmons’ inability and unwillingness to shoot from distance makes it difficult to play non-shooting bigs next to him.

Why the Pacers do it: After trading their All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings and Malcolm Brogdon to the Celtics, the Pacers have pivoted towards a rebuild. Turner is in the last year of his deal, and it seems highly unlikely that both parties want to renew their commitments to each other. This is why, rather than lose Turner for nothing in free agency, it would be wise of the Pacers to ship out Turner in exchange for assets that align with their current organizational position.

Receiving a 2027 1st round pick via Philadelphia is a good order of business for the Pacers. They are also taking a flyer on Cam Thomas, who has shown flashes as a scorer on several occasions. While Joe Harris will probably not be part of their long-term plans, he is an elite shooter who could be traded elsewhere for other useful assets.