Examining a Myles Turner trade for Lonzo Ball
Why the Pacers wouldn’t do it
The main reason the Pacers would run from this trade is contractual.
Myles Turner still has three years left on his deal at $18 million per season. This was an overpay on Indiana’s part, but not a tremendous one, especially if Turner improves.
It is a reasonable contract and one they control.
Lonzo Ball has just one year left on his deal before he’ll want a max extension that will probably be similar to the one Myles Turner got. So what is the problem?
The problem is that there is no chance Lonzo Ball would re-sign in Indiana, sorry Pacers, but Indiana just isn’t a big enough fish bowl to hold the Ball family.
Lonzo has embraced New Orleans so far, but it is not hard to see him jetting for a bigger market if the opportunity presents itself, especially if it means playing with his brother.
If someone like the Knicks were to draft LaMelo Ball, then the rumor mill for Lonzo will be a full time job. Would the Pacers want to deal with this headache? Would they risk three guaranteed years of Turner for one year of Ball?
This doesn’t seem to be the type of move the conservative Pacers would make, even though it would make them a better team.
There is too much risk involved and the Pacers aren’t the four seed every season because they take risks.