Rival teams ‘ramping up’ trade talks for Pacers’ LeVert, Turner

As the NBA trade deadline continues to approach, the Indiana Pacers continue to be mentioned in no shortage of rumors. The latest includes Myles Turner and Caris LeVert.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the trade talks involving Indiana Pacers’ Caris LeVert and Myles turner are ‘ramping up’ as the deadline approaches.

"Rival teams are ramping up conversations with the Pacers involving guard Caris LeVert and center Myles Turner. The Mavericks and Knicks are expressing interest in trading for Turner, sources said. The Lakers and Hornets have had a level of interest in Turner as well, sources added. The Cavaliers are among interested teams in LeVert, those sources said, as he would provide a combo guard able to handle the ball and playmaker in the season-ending absence of Collin Sexton and Rubio."

Turner has continued to be linked to the Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks as both teams are ‘expressing interest’ in him. The Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets have had ‘some level of interest’ but weren’t as prominently featured.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, after losing Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio to season-ending injuries, could look to make a trade for a guard. The Cavs have their eyes on LeVert as a potential option.

Despite the recent excitement from the Lance Stephenson reunion, the fact remains for the Indiana Pacers that being 13th in the Eastern Conference standings this far into the season likely warrants some tough decisions to make.

What the Pacers seek in return in potential trades involving Turner and/or LeVert will be intriguing to see. The organization has historically sought to make the necessary effort to earn a spot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. With much improvement, that has proved to be a challenge.

It appears unlikely for the Pacers to pursue assets to further a rebuilding effort in trades, especially when considering recent comments from owner Herb Simon.