Trade talks between the Lakers and Pacers centered on guard Buddy Hield and center Myles Turner are dead for now, per Bob Kravitz and Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Lakers offered Russell Westbrook and a first-round draft pick in exchange for Hield and Turner. The Pacers would be seeking at least one additional first-rounder, Kravitz and Charania reported.
“That’s not to say the Lakers can’t come back and add a second first-round pick to the current package of picks, but for now, things are at a standstill,” Kravitz reported.
It is believed that Hield, Turner, Westbrook and picks are just some of the players and parts that are involved in the proposed deal.
“The Pacers have plenty of cap space, so they theoretically could absorb (Westbrook) by sending Hield out, or they could match his salary by including Myles Turner,” wrote Sam Quinn of CBS Sports. “There is no indication yet that they are willing to do that.”
Added Kurt Helin of NBC Sports: “However, the Pacers would not even consider taking on Westbrook in either situation unless the Lakers throw in their 2027 or 2029 first-round pick, likely unprotected (for Hield and Turner it may take more than just the one first). So far, the Lakers have been hesitant to put either of those picks in any trade (ultimately, they will have to if they want to trade Westbrook).”
Granted, the Pacers are seemingly on the cusp of an all-out rebuild with the likes of Tyrese Haliburton, rookie Bennedict Mathurin and Chris Duarte as the primary members of the backcourt. That makes Hield and Turner logical trade chips.
This is the second go-round for the Lakers in their attempts to land Hield. They do so prior to the start of last season when he was still with the Kings. He was traded to the Pacers in February instead, as part of the Domantas Sabonis deal.
Hield, 29, is 6-foot-4 and fared well in Indiana, averaging 18.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 24 appearances. He also shot about 45 percent from the field.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
