Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers desperately have to improve the team this offseason. They are at risk of losing their star player, Paul George, after the 2017-18 season. Coincidentally, the Lakers are the team that has been rumored to be atop his destinations list. If the Pacers want to keep George around, they will have to improve the roster.
The Pacers will have some cap space to spend this summer. Adding some veterans to help push the team to the next level would make sense. But, if George leaves, the Pacers have very little in terms of building blocks outside of Myles Turner and maybe Glenn Robinson II. Acquiring Clarkson would accomplish both.
Watching the Pacers in the postseason against the Cleveland Cavaliers, it was clear they need to upgrade in the backcourt. Monta Ellis isn’t the answer at shooting guard. Clarkson would be an upgrade over him based on his defensive ability alone. If Lance Stephenson retains the starting shooting guard spot, Clarkson would be a good addition to the Pacers second unit that may lose C.J. Miles in free agency.
Clarkson would also give the Pacers some insurance at point guard. Jeff Teague and Aaron Brooks are both free agents. Adding a true point guard would make sense, but the Pacers would at least have someone to use there in Clarkson.
Next: Top 10 Draft Picks In Lakers History
Given their current situation, sending the 18th pick to the Lakers for Clarkson would make some sense. The 18th pick probably won’t help them win many games this upcoming season, which they will have to do to convince George to stay in Indiana long term.