For years now, star big man Myles Turner has been the main subject of countless trade rumors. As a young and athletic big man, he does a multitude of things that helps his team win games.
For a while, nobody imagined he’d be sticking around in Indiana for much longer. But in an update on the situation by Marc Stein, it is revealed that Turner could end up staying with the Pacers after all.
Every time I’m asked in a Spotify Live session about Myles Turner’s future in Indiana, I pass along what I’ve repeatedly heard: The Pacers are hopeful about Turner’s long-term prospects in Indiana after trading away Domantas Sabonis. Yet I’m told there is a scenario I need to add to the range of possibilities for Turner as he heads into an offseason expected to feature contract extension talks: Word is he might seek to play out the final season of his contract valued at $18 million. That scenario, of course, would put the Pacers at risk for losing Turner without compensation when he becomes a free agent after the 2022-23 season, unless they trade him first.
Yet another complicating variable: Indiana hasn’t had an opportunity yet to evaluate Turner’s fit alongside Tyrese Haliburton after Turner sustained a stress reaction in his left foot in January that sidelined him before Haliburton’s February arrival in the Sabonis trade with Sacramento. One imagines Indiana would need to have a feel for how Turner and Haliburton mesh before making any decision. Just remember that Turner will be extension eligible through June 30, 2023, meaning that Indiana could feasibly start the season with the 26-year-old on an expiring contract, see how he looks alongside Haliburton and then offer an extension in-season … or move Turner before next February’s trade deadline if the sides can’t agree on a deal.
This season, Turner (26) averaged 12.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game on 50% shooting. He only played 42 games due to injury, and the Pacers failed to make the playoff cut.
Still, he’s a valuable player in the right situation, and the Pacers need more time to figure out his fit before they say goodbye for good.
