Myles Turner is in the final year of his deal with the Pacers, and the team would have to pay out a lot if they want to keep the veteran center on their roster. While the 28-year-old center has been a reliable contributor for Rick Carlisle’s team, he’s not the type of player the front office would be willing to splurge over.
Because of the uncertainty surrounding Turner’s future with the team, it would make sense for the franchise to capitalize on his value and trade him off before his contract expires in the summer. The question now lies in where the team could probably send him.
One analyst suggests three potential destinations for Turner, but one move in particular would make plenty of sense for Indiana’s chances in the postseason.
Fansided’s Joseph Killian was among the population who believed it was in Indy’s best interests to send Turner to another team after failing to negotiate a contract extension. While he gave multiple suggestions on who Indiana GM Chad Buchanan should interact with, his proposed trade with the Utah Jazz for Jordan Clarkson and Walker Kessler is the most intriguing.
He explained that the move would be beneficial for both teams who are in different stages of their championship pursuit:
For Utah, Myles Turner would bring the veteran experience and leadership they’ve been seeking, particularly for a young core led by Kyle Filipowski. Turner’s ability to stretch the floor and provide defensive presence would fit well with Utah’s style. On the other hand, Indiana would gain a young, rebounding, and defensive force in Kessler, whose skill set would complement their existing roster while also boosting their playoff aspirations. Adding Jordan Clarkson to the mix would provide the Pacers with another offensive weapon off the bench, further enhancing their depth.
Turner would be a wonderful addition to the Jazz if they pull this trade off. He’s averaging 15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.0 blocks a game in the regular season. Both teams might see their timelines expedited if this trade works well.
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