Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
The Indiana Pacers appear to be holding onto Myles Turner. But he could fetch a high price on the trade market and these teams could build a compelling offer.
The Indiana Pacers dramatically shook up their core at the trade deadline, sending Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings for Tyrese Haliburton. The trade left them with plenty of win-now pieces to stay competitive when healthy — Malcolm Brogdon, Buddy Hield, Myles Turner. But the emergence of Haliburton as a player ready to lead an up-and-coming core makes pushing their timeline into the future at least worth considering.
The Pacers have indicated they’re likely to keep Turner but he’s 26, four years older than Haliburton, and due for a big new contract at the end of this season. As a strong rim protector with floor-spacing ability, he could draw plenty of interesting trade offers and the Pacers could turn him into slightly younger talent, acquire additional draft assets or both. Again, the buzz is that these deals are all unlikely but you never know.
3. Charlotte Hornets trade for Myles Turner with a pick and a player
Hornets Get
Myles Turner
Pacers Get
P.J. Washington
No. 15 pick
The Hornets hold the No. 13 and No. 15 pick and are reportedly open to trading at least one of those two picks. Their biggest need would appear to be a defensive-minded center and while players like Mark Williams or Jalen Duren could be available at that range, Turner is already a known product. He would be a perfect defensive anchor for the Hornets and his outside shooting would still leave plenty of driving lanes for LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier and Miles Bridges. In addition, the Hornets could still use the No. 13 pick to fill another need.
For the Pacers, they add another first-round pick while landing a 23-year-old frontcourt player who could start immediately and be a solid contributor on a future playoff contender. Washington can defend 3s and 4s and play some small-ball 5. He’s also hit 37.5 percent of his career 3-pointers, is a solid passer and can make plays as the screener in the pick-and-roll. The No. 15 pick could be another swing at finding a future star, or give the Pacers the assets to trade up to No. 4 and land Jaden Ivey, if they feel he’s the right guy to pair with Haliburton.