The Indiana Pacers are reportedly considering trade options for Myles Turner due to concerns over his contract demands, sparking rumors about his future with the franchise.
“I’ve heard Turner is about to be an unrestricted free agent and he’s going to want 30-plus million and I’ve heard Indiana is not sure if they want to give him 30-plus million.”
“I heard from a league source that Indiana might kind of sneak be open to trading Myles Turner.”
Turner, a cornerstone of Indiana’s lineup for a decade, is nearing the end of his two-year, $58 million extension and is expected to seek a lucrative new deal that could exceed $30 million annually. According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, the Pacers are unsure whether they are willing to meet such a steep financial commitment.
Turner has been a consistent force for Indiana, known for his elite rim protection and ability to stretch the floor offensively. This season, he is averaging 15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, ranking fifth in the league in blocks. His versatility as a big man who can defend the paint and hit three-pointers has made him a valuable asset for the Pacers.
Despite Turner’s contributions, the Pacers find themselves at a crossroads. While the 28-year-old center has been integral to their success, committing over $30 million per year to a player who doesn’t dominate offensively or consistently impact games on the glass could limit their flexibility to build around their younger core.
Indiana has promising talents in Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, and maintaining financial flexibility could allow them to make bolder moves in the future.
The hesitation to meet Turner’s contract demands stems from a combination of his potential market value and Indiana’s long-term strategy. Paying Turner a substantial salary could hinder the Pacers from pursuing high-impact free agents or making trades to complement their young stars. Instead, trading Turner ahead of the February 6 trade deadline could allow Indiana to secure assets while his value remains high.
Jovan Buha’s report suggests that the Pacers might prioritize asset management over retaining Turner if they’re unwilling to meet his salary expectations. By moving him before he becomes an unrestricted free agent, Indiana can avoid the risk of losing him for nothing in the offseason. Turner’s expiring contract, coupled with his skill set, makes him an attractive option for playoff-contending teams, ensuring the Pacers would likely receive strong trade offers.
One team that could be highly interested in Turner is the Los Angeles Lakers. Anthony Davis has openly expressed a desire to play alongside another big man, and Turner would fit seamlessly into their system. As a player who excels in protecting the rim and spacing the floor, Turner could alleviate Davis’ workload at center and provide a defensive anchor. Additionally, Turner’s ability to hit three-pointers would create more space for LeBron James and Davis to operate offensively.
However, the Lakers’ limited trade capital might pose challenges in acquiring Turner. They would likely need to include Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood, or Jaxson Hayes, along with draft assets, to make the deal enticing for Indiana. A top-10 protected first-round pick in 2029 and a second-round pick in 2025 could sweeten the offer.
The Pacers are in a tough position as they weigh the value of retaining Myles Turner versus the flexibility gained by trading him. While Turner has been a cornerstone for Indiana, the financial implications of a $30 million annual salary might not align with the team’s long-term goals.
For contenders like the Lakers, Turner represents a dream acquisition that could elevate their championship aspirations. As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Indiana to see if they choose to move on from their veteran center.
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