Lakers Rumors: The best suitors for a Julius Randle trade

3. Indiana Pacers

To be fair, the Indiana Pacers likely could have had Randle, Jordan Clarkson and another established NBA talent without needing to throw Deng in the mix. That, of course, would have been the trade return for superstar Paul George. Geroge ended up being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for a mediocre package, signaling a full rebuild.

To be fair, a deal between both sides may be unlikely anyways. As you likely already know, the Indiana Pacers launched a tampering investigation on the Lakers that resulted in a $500,000 fine. Although the penalty could have been worse, like not getting a chance to sign George at all or losing draft picks, you have to think that there is still some animosity there.

However, if the two sides were to put their difference aside Julius Randle would prove to be a great piece to add to the young Pacers core. Myles Turner may be making the move to power forward, but with his size and shot blocking ability he is much more suited for the center role. Indiana is in need of a true power forward.

That is where Randle comes in. He would be joining the likes of Turner, Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. Randle could form a deadly one-two punch at power forward with Sabonis, and the Pacers could get rid of some veterans such as Al Jefferson or Thaddeus Young.

Julius Randle is a perfect fit for the philosophy the Pacers currently have, however, they may be too stubborn to ever admit it.