Indiana Basketball: 3 possible trade destinations for Victor Oladipo

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter in Game One of the Western Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 18, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Lakers trade:

Danny Green

Kyle Kuzma

Talen Horton-Tucker

Pacers trade:

Victor Oladipo

Goga Bitadze

J.R. Smith’s contract kind of mucks up the trade machine, but this offseason this trade will be possible (once Smith’s contract expires).

Danny Green is a solid player but has been wildly inconsistent this season, especially in the NBA bubble. Kyle Kuzma has been the Lakers’ third-best player at most times, but a healthy Oladipo would be a surefire way to upgrade the lineup.

The Pacers would have to part with their first-round pick, Goga Bitadze, but Kuzma has much more value than a rookie center who barely played all season. Kuzma is already making a huge impact on a team in the conference finals. The Lakers also throw in Talen Horton-Tucker, who is a second-round pick but has shown promise at points this season.

This trade is possible, but I wouldn’t put money on it happening. The Lakers would essentially be giving away their last good trade piece, Kuzma, for the hope of getting a healthy Oladipo. That is too risky at this point given we don’t know what form Oladipo will be in next season. If all went right for the Lakers, they’d have a better team, but if it all went wrong it would be disastrous.

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