Trade Scenario #5: Bradley Beal to the Pacers
For the past few seasons, one name that has consistently been the subject of trade rumors is Indiana Pacers Center, Myles Turner. He is a rare combination of a modern big man who has not abandoned the traditional duties of rebounding and blocking shots, while simultaneously embracing the modern game and being able to shoot from the perimeter.
This past season, Turner averaged a career-high 18.0 points per game, while also pulling down 7.5 rebounds and blocking 2.3 shots per contest. That being said, his trade value is at an all-time high. If the Pacers are going to get the most value for him, the time to move him to another team is now. The Washington Wizards happen to have an All-Star guard by the name of Bradley Beal who could fit in well with Indiana’s vision for the future and could be the missing piece to a promising backcourt.
If the Pacers and Wizards were to engage in a trade, with Turner and Beal being the primary pieces, there are a few things to consider. The first would be the on-court fit for both ballclubs, followed by the financial aspect for each franchise. Adding Turner to the Wizards would mean moving Kristaps Porziņģis to the power forward on a full-time basis. That would allow him to get the most out of his 7’3″ frame while simultaneously capitalizing on his ability to shoot from the perimeter and stretch the floor.
This would also mean that Kyle Kuzma would no longer see minutes at the power forward position and would move into the small forward role full-time, which could allow him to get the most out of his versatility. Meanwhile, the Pacers could pair Beal with Tyrese Haliburton, who emerged as one of the best passers in the league and a first-time All-Star this past season. With Haliburton’s ability to facilitate and Beal’s ability to score, the Pacers could suddenly have one of the most exciting backcourts in the league.
While the two biggest names in this deal would undoubtedly be Bradley Beal and Myles Turner, the Wizards would be in a position to request a large number of assets for their star guard. Beal is expected to make $46.7 million dollars next season, while Turner is expected to earn $20.9 million. In order to make it work financially, Indiana may have to throw in a few reliable veterans like Daniel Theis, George Hill, and T.J. McConnell. A few future draft picks from Indiana may convince Washington to go through with the deal as the Pacers would go into “win now” mode while the Wizards would be forced to embrace a rebuild.