Not so surprisingly, several teams are interested in Myles Turner, according to the latest NBA trade rumors.
Modern big men who can block shots and hit 3-pointers are at a premium in the NBA. Given that Myles Turner theoretically possesses both of those skills, as well as how the Indiana Pacers have struggled recently, it’s no surprise teams are calling to ask about his availability ahead of the 2021 NBA Trade Deadline.
According to J. Michael of IndyStar, the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans have all inquired about the league’s leading shot-blocker.
So far, the Pacers aren’t shopping Turner, but as we all know, that can change in an instant. So far this season, the seven-footer is averaging 13.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and a league-best 3.4 blocks per game while shooting a less-than-stellar 31.3 percent from downtown.
The Lakers and Clippers are among the teams calling about Myles Turner
According to Michael, even the Pacers’ recent 2-7 skid has not convinced the front office to move on from Turner, who was very much available in the offseason before Danny Ainge botched a potential deal that would’ve brought him to the Boston Celtics in return for a Gordon Hayward sign-and-trade.
The Hornets wound up signing Hayward, and now they’re reportedly interested in adding Turner as well, which tracks for such a fun, young team that’s found itself in the midst of the Eastern Conference playoff hunt. Their interest is fitting, but some of the other teams on the list are quite intriguing.
The Lakers and Clippers are constantly looking out for potential upgrades to their roster. With Anthony Davis out, and the Lakers reportedly not impressed by the Marc Gasol experience so far, finding an upgrade at center would be a major boost to their odds of repeating as NBA champions. The Clippers, meanwhile, are fourth in the West and have largely been going “small” with Serge Ibaka playing full-time as a small-ball 5. For either of these contenders, making the money work to take on his $18 million salary while still offering something Indiana wants may be a challenge.
As for the Knicks, it makes sense they’re looking to bolster their roster for the franchise’s first playoff push since 2013, but it’s worth wondering where young shot-blocker Mitchell Robinson — who’s been out since mid-February with a broken hand — fits into the team’s long-term plans if New York wants the 24-year-old Turner.
Finally, the Pelicans are an interesting addition to the list. They’ve currently got Steven Adams at the starting center spot, but at age 27, he might not be in their long-term plans for that younger core … especially with two years and $35 million left on his contract after this season. Even more interesting, though, is that the Pelicans have the younger, high-flying Jaxson Hayes on the roster too.
In any case, it may be a moot point for all these teams if the Pacers hold firm on Turner past the March 25 deadline. But with contenders like the Lakers and Clippers interested, not to mention playoff hopefuls like the Knicks, Hornets and Pelicans, this is one situation worth monitoring over the next week.