The Pacers and Hornets have circled around each other for more than a year now. The Hornets eyeing Myles Turner. The Pacers eyeing PJ Washington.

Now, a trade seems inevitable for Turner, but they need some help to get a deal done. The Pacers have made it known they want a young player and a first round pick for Turner. This deal meets that asking price without attaching the salary baggage they want to avoid. In this, the Pacers finally land Washington to give him a real opportunity at the minutes the Hornets can’t offer him, along with a ‘23 first. At the same time, Herb Simon smiles seeing the payroll drop with attendance near rock bottom of the league.

For the Hornets, they finally land Turner, the defensive Center they need to potentially make a deep playoff run, and they land him with completely expendable pieces. They’ll anticipate that ‘23 first round pick being in the 20’s. Throw in Washington, Plumlee and Thor, and the Hornets have made a steal of not giving up any major core piece adding Turner.

The issue as referenced above is Indiana avoiding adding players they don’t want in Plumlee and Thor. The Pacers would like to make a deposit in the Oklahoma City Bank of NBA Draft Picks. A couple second rounders with the two players for absolutely nothing. OKC is open for business ahead of the deadline.

So, there you have it. Thoughts?