The Indiana Pacers Reportedly Want To Keep Myles Turner But Are Willing To Trade Buddy Hield

The Indiana Pacers are a team that a large number of people expected to rebuild this year, but they are currently in a playoff position as the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference under Tyrese Haliburton.

Many thought that the Indiana Pacers would be moving their veteran players such as Buddy Hield and Myles Turner ahead of the trade deadline. However, thus far, a move has not yet materialized.

A recent report from Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report revealed the Indiana Pacers' plans for both players as we get closer to the trade deadline. The report stated that Buddy Hield has "been available", but that the team is interested in keeping Myles Turner.

Indiana could still look to make a trade, but the Pacers are focused on making the playoffs.

"They could still trade Buddy [Hield]; he's been available since they got him," a different Eastern Conference executive said, "But they're not looking to tank, and I hear they're trying to extend Myles."

It is easy to see why the Indiana Pacers want to keep Myles Turner: he is currently having a career year, averaging 16.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.3 BPG, and 37.9% from beyond the arc. However, Myles Turner has rejected some contract extension offers from the Pacers already, and it is unclear if the Pacers' stance on trading him changes if he continues to do so.

Though Buddy Hield is a good player right now, there are some solid reasons for the Indiana Pacers to move him. He is poor defensively, and moving his contract could give the team some salary relief. However, it is likely in their interest to keep him unless an amazing offer comes around, as he is a good fit with Tyrese Haliburton in the backcourt.

The Indiana Pacers Could Be Good In The Future

Even though the Indiana Pacers aren't a championship contender right now, perhaps they could be one in the future. Tyrese Haliburton has previously suggested that the team could be similar to the Memphis Grizzlies going forward.

 “I think the gains that we’ll see in the next 2-3 yrs are coming from today. It’s kind of like MEM. You got a young group of guys together who learn from each other &work everyday, &now they’re 1 of the best teams in the league. That’s what we’re trying to get to.”

The team does have a fair amount of young talent, and they could end up being a special group if things go right for them in the future. Being competitive in the now matters in terms of their young players' development, as they will learn winning habits from the veterans on the roster.

Hopefully, we see the Indiana Pacers continue to thrive. They've got an elite franchise player in Tyrese Haliburton, and if they draft well they could end up being one of the contenders in the Eastern Conference in the future.