Why the Brooklyn Nets should say yes to this trade:
The Brooklyn Nets really do not have much of an option here, do they? If there is not a lot of interest in Kyrie Irving and the Lakers are the only potential suitor then the team will take whatever it can get that is not Russell Westbrook.
Some may make the argument that the Nets are better off trading for draft picks and that might be the case if Kevin Durant forces his way out of Brooklyn as well. However, with Houston owning most of the Nets’ picks, the team cannot afford to completely blow it up if they do not have to.
In this trade, the Nets get someone who is more than qualified to be the third-best player on a contending team in Malcolm Brogdon, who would start at point guard. Buddy Hield is a nice shooter that adds floor spacing and depth.
Cam Thomas is a promising young player but he did not make much of an impact last season and the Nets can afford to move him.
Why the Indiana Pacers should say yes to this trade:
The Pacers have a deep backcourt and it is clear that they are looking to build around Tyrese Halliburton and Bennedict Mathurin while also likely trying to be bad this upcoming season so they have a chance to draft Victor Wembenyama.
This is a trade that would help accomplish that. It frees up minutes in the backcourt for the young players and gives the Pacers two future first-round picks that could be very valuable to the team. Westbrook would likely get told to either stay home or get bought out and Thomas would add another promising young presence to the mix.
The Pacers would get long-term cap flexibility, a better runway for their young guards to play and grow and a better chance at tanking for Wembenyama next season. It accomplishes everything the team likely wants to accomplish.