SOURCES: Pacers Looking To Former No. 1 To Fill Turner Void

Ayton and the Portland Trail Blazers agreed to a buyout over the weekend, freeing the big man to pick his next stop. The Pacers once chased Ayton hard. In July 2022, they signed him to a four-year, $133 million offer sheet when he was a restricted free agent with the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix matched, blocking the move.

Now, with Turner gone, the Pacers see another shot. Turner left Indiana on Tuesday, signing a four-year, $107 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. That agreement leaves a hole at center, and Ayton fits the profile to fill it.

Ayton’s Numbers Still Tempt

Despite questions about his professionalism, Ayton’s talent is clear. He averages 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds for his career. He shoots nearly 60% from the field. During the Suns’ run to the NBA Finals in 2021, he put up 15.8 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.

That level of production is hard to find, especially for a Pacers team that depended on Turner’s rim protection and rebounding. Deandre Ayton’s fit remains obvious, especially given the Pacers’ history of trying to land him.

Off-Court Red Flags

Ayton’s buyout in Portland raised eyebrows. Jason Quick of The Athletic reported that the Trail Blazers grew tired of his “bad ways,” citing repeated lateness to flights and skipped rehab sessions. According to Quick, Ayton also threw “tantrums” when benched for poor play.

These concerns are real. Yet Ayton’s talent will keep his market alive. He’s a productive 7-footer who can still deliver double-doubles every night.

Lakers Remain A Threat

The Pacers are not alone. The Lakers have shown heavy interest in Ayton too. Fischer noted that Los Angeles remains a favorite to land him despite Indiana’s push. The Lakers are eager for a center upgrade, and the chance to add a former No. 1 pick for minimal cost has real appeal.

If Ayton does choose the Lakers, they will believe they can succeed where Phoenix and Portland failed. The lure of playing for a historic franchise might motivate Ayton to refocus his attitude. Many around the league think the Lakers could benefit from taking that chance.

Pacers Weigh The Gamble

The Pacers’ pursuit of Deandre Ayton now becomes a gamble. Do they bet on his skill set and hope he matures under their watch? Or do they stay clear, wary of repeating Portland’s mistake?

Indiana’s front office sees the risk but also the upside. Ayton’s career averages, playoff experience, and age keep him attractive. He has averaged a double-double for seven seasons. Few centers on the market can say the same.

The Pacers could bring Ayton into a system that once valued Turner’s defensive range and rim protection. While Ayton isn’t the same shot-blocker, he is a more polished scorer in the paint.

Turner’s Exit Creates Urgency

Losing Turner stings. His presence anchored the Pacers’ defense for years. Filling that void is essential if Indiana hopes to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference.

A union between the Pacers and Deandre Ayton checks every box: rebounding, scoring, size, and familiarity. What remains uncertain is if Ayton wants Indiana this time — or if he prefers Los Angeles and the bright lights.

Either way, one thing is clear. Ayton’s buyout has quickly turned him into the most intriguing free agent left on the market. The Pacers hope their second chance goes better than the first.