Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers receive: C DeAndre Jordan, 2018 LAC 1st round pick
LA Clippers receive: C Myles Turner, C Al Jefferson, PG Darren Collison
The Clippers are on the rebuild. They need young, reliable pieces. Often when posed the question, “Who is the best young center in the league” people might say Karl-Anthony Towns, Joel Embiid, or Nikola Jokic. Myles Turner is almost always overlooked. He is a nice rebounder and a good rim protector. Turner also has a nice mid and 3-point shot, a highly coveted attribute for anyone in today’s league, let alone a center.
Darren Collison has already served 1 season as a Los Angeles Clipper back in 2013-2014 where, as a backup point guard, he averaged 11 points and 4 assists with a TS% of 58%. Perhaps if he were to reprise his role as a backup point guard for the Clips, he could continue the efficient shooting.
Al Jefferson is far past his best days of putting up 23 points and 11 rebounds as a member of the Timberwolves, but he is still hanging on in this league. He isn’t seeing many minutes at this point in his career. His contract is worth a lot more than his quality of play, but it will expire in Summer 2019.
The Pacers, in this trade, would get an elite center, someone who could help them win more games and be a consistent defensive prescience, always making opponents think twice before driving in the paint. They would be giving up early on Myles Turner, which is why they would be given the Clippers 1st round pick. There, they could add another solid piece from the late lottery to their team.