Indiana Pacers: Recent NBA trades for players similar to Myles Turner

Jusuf Nurkic’s deal is a cautionary tale about center swaps

Moved at the trade deadline in 2017, Jusuf Nurkic was sent to the Portland Trail Blazers as the Denver Nuggets kicked off what would soon become their new era with Nikola Jokic leading the way at center.

He kicked off the year with five straight double-digit scoring performances but quickly fell down to lower scoring totals as the season went on. Jokic began to rise in this season and quickly rendered Nurkic somewhat redundant.

For the Blazers, this was a good get. They rotated one big man in for another and were able to swing a first-round pick in the process.

The situation in Denver is reminiscent of the one going on in Indiana. A young big man makes a rise and flashes brilliance as the centerpiece of the team’s offense. Quickly, a logjam in the frontcourt presents itself and results in the team having to make an adjustment.

Denver’s decision is a tale of caution for the Pacers. They were able to swap in one big for another, not really ameliorating the logjam concern, and had to attach a pricy first-round pick to get the deal done.

Given Turner’s defensive acumen, if this is the value they can expect in return Indiana should simply try to continue making the Turbonis frontcourt work.