Pacers' Myles Turner Admits Trade Rumors Broke Him

There were several NBA trade deadlines, and Turner's name often came up in the rumor mill, but there was never any concrete deal that was close to being finished.

Come February, his status within the team was always unclear, but now that the team has seemingly finally committed to him, he feels right at home.

The Pacers rely heavily on Turner to produce on both ends of the floor, providing Tyrese Haliburton with a floor-spacing and lob threat center who can legitimately switch onto smaller players and hold his own for a couple of possessions, and can force players to alter their shots when attacking the rim.

Coming out of Texas, Turner projected as a rare do-it-all center who could protect the rim, finish well, space the floor, and be a switchable big man that fits the modern NBA like a glove.

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At first, he had difficulty making three-pointers consistently and at a low volume. However, he gradually enhanced both his shooting frequency and skill level. Additionally, he prioritized pursuing blocked shots over solid defense, which hampered his effectiveness in the initial stages.

Turner has become one of the most influential big men in the NBA. Although his statistics may not match those of other elite centers, his value to any team in the modern league is undeniable.

At the prime age of 28, Turner now enters free agency, where he can explore his options and choose his future, having the opportunity to join any team in the league.

He may return to Indiana after finally having a home both on and off the court, supported and accepted by the Pacers while playing for a regular playoff team.

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