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The perfect blockbuster trade to help the Lakers, 76ers, Celtics and Pacers

By Jason Reed

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 31: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards during Game Four of the Eastern Conference first round series at Capital One Arena on May 31, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 31: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards during Game Four of the Eastern Conference first round series at Capital One Arena on May 31, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Why the Indiana Pacers should say yes:

Return: Russell Westbrook, DeAndre Jordan, Kent Bazemore, Romeo Langford, Jaden Springer, 76ers 2022 first-round pick, Celtics 2022 first-round pick, Celtics 2024 first-round pick, Celtics 2026 first-round pick, Lakers 2027 first-round pick 

The Indiana Pacers are the team that would take the most convincing in this trade. However, because they are so important to this trade (the three other teams cannot make this happen without them) they are going to get all of the future assets in the trade sent their way.

That is the main reason to say yes to this trade, obviously. The Pacers are not going to get the kind of future return if they just trade Sabonis, LeVert, Warren and Lamb on their own. Sabonis at most will get two future first-round picks and the other players likely would not get any first-round picks at all.

In this trade, the Pacers are getting five first-round picks for a borderline all-star in Sabonis and some good rotation players. That is the same price that the Milwaukee Bucks traded for Jrue Holiday AND the Pacers are getting more assets as well. Jaden Springer and Romeo Langford are two recent first-round picks who could blossom into something.

The Lakers would send a pick as they get to get off of Westbrook. The 76ers would trade their 2022 pick as they are expecting to have a high pick anyway. The Celtics would trade three first-round picks as they are acquiring Ben Simmons for an expensive Al Horford and other pieces that are not really worth much (again, more on that later).

You could even make the case for the Lakers trading another first-round pick to make it six total picks for the Pacers. The Pacers appear to be completely rebooting the franchise, making them more likely to simply take on Westbrook for the assets. They only have to pay him another year and a half and he at least raises the team’s floor to keep them somewhat competitive. If they want to full tank after trading Myles Turner, they can just sit him out like John Wall.

They have to reach the salary floor anyway and this is a good way to reach the floor next season without having to sign a bunch of overpaid free agents next offseason.

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