I wonder if it some sort of an audition for Evan Turner. As a fall-back this summer if Lance Stephenson leaves the team. To replace L.Stephenson.
Big two guard. Plus defender. Fantastic rebounder. Secondary ball-handling and passing. Somewhat similar skill-set to what Lance Stephenson provides.
I agree with this 100%. Pacers get something for this season's playoff run and can turn Turner into a solid 6th man. It will lower Turner's value as a potential star (that ship has basically sailed anyway) and gives the Hoosiers a good look at where they can work on his game.
They could also try to lower Stephenson's value but I doubt that will work.
Turner's qualifying offer is about $9 million if I remember correctly and Lace will 100% go for more than that which Indiana can unlikely afford.
Smart move by Larry. Smart move by Philly.
No one wants to touch Turner with that QO, similarly to the problems we'll face with Jeff Green soon.