The Warren - Pacers situation gets messier and more confusing each day. It is now a mystery when and if he will play for them again (he’s on an expiring deal). In this trade they are able to move him and Turner (who they will have to trade sooner or later) for Hayward and a protected 2022 FRP. They gain a player who is an upgrade over Warren at the 3/4 position. This trade also allows them the opportunity to move Sabonis to the 5, something they need to do in order to maximize their offensive potential. The added draft pick will help them if they decide to go after a star caliber player, as they would still have the required starters and role players (i.e. Brogdon, LeVert, and Lamb) to make such a deal. Starters: Brogdon, Lamb, Levert, Hayward, Sabonis | Bench: McConnell, Holiday, Duarte, Craig/Brissett, Bitadze

The Hornets need to improve defensively this year if they want to make and advance in the playoffs. They have addressed this problem already by signing KOJ in the offseason. Trading for Myles Turner would be the finishing touch on a perfect roster-retool around LaMelo. He is the perfect center for them. He plays excellent defense, can score inside, and is an adequate 3pt shooter. They have the wing depth to afford losing Hayward and not having Warren play a full season (if at all) with them. Loosing the first in next year’s draft hurts, but it is necessary if they want to gain a Top-5 defender at Center (Top-10 overall) and get the Pacers to take on Hayward’s bloated contract. Starters: Ball, Rozier, KOJ, Bridges/Warren?, Turner | Bench: Ish, Bouk, McDaniels/Iwundu, Kai/PJ, Plumlee