Whether Daniel Theis, who will be joining a crowded frontcourt as more of a fit on an experienced, playoff-caliber team, will ever actually play for the Indiana Pacers amid a rebuild remains to be seen. According to Hoops Hype’s Michael Scotto, as compensation for absorbing Russell Westbrook, Indiana asked the Lakers for Talen Horton-Tucker and two first-round picks in exchange for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield. As part of those negotiations, the Pacers also reportedly wanted the Lakers to take on Theis’ contract.
For now, though, after finishing last season on a title contender in Boston, Theis is once again competing for a championship, pulling off an upset over Greece to advance to the semi-finals of EuroBasket 2022 with the German National Team.