Following news of Myles Turner rebuffing a contract extension offer from the Indiana Pacers front office, all eyes are now on what’s next for the big man as a trade becomes even more likely. With the big man approaching free agency, there really aren’t a lot of options for the Blue and Gold outside of dealing him if they fail to extend him.
That being said, the Pacers should have no shortage of suitors for Turner’s services. After all, the big man is turning in arguably his best season so far, emerging not only as the defensive anchor for a surprisingly good team in the thick of the playoff race, but also as a reliable offensive weapon.
Myles Turner reportedly turned down a contract extension with the Indiana Pacers
Despite the Pacers’ success, they absolutely can’t risk losing Turner for nothing by banking on the mere hope of him agreeing to Indiana’s terms. After all, even with him being a flight risk, his very valuable skill set is more than sufficient for bidders to overcompensate even for a half-season rental.
With that in consideration, here is a perfectly legal (thanks, trade machine!) trade proposal that will send Turner to the Lakers, a widely believed suitor, to give fans an idea of how a trade framework for the big man could look like.
Myles Turner heads to the Lakers in this three-team trade involving the Pacers and the Spurs
In this mammoth three-team deal, the Indiana Pacers capitalize on Myles Turner by landing Jakob Poeltl from the Spurs and veteran guard Patrick Beverley from the Lakers in addition to LA’s unprotected first-round pick in 2027 and a second-round pick from San Antonio.
Meanwhile, the Lakers finally get their hands on Turner, with Daniel Theis and TJ McConnell as relatively valuable throw-ins to make the salaries match. Spurs wing Josh Richardson, another 3-and-D adept, also lands in LA.
Lastly, the rebuilding Spurs absorb Russell Westbrook’s expiring albatross contract. They also acquire rookie Max Christie and the Lakers’ unprotected first-rounder in 2029 while snagging a 2027 second-rounder from Indiana.
Does this trade idea give the Indiana Pacers a look at an ideal return for Myles Turner and their vets?
If Myles Turner and his camp continue to decline an extension with the Indiana Pacers as reported, then the team’s leverage rapidly flakes away. After all, it’s the high likelihood of both parties agreeing to an extension that gave them asking power from potential suitors for the big man’s services.
That being said, the Turner rebuff is far from a signal for the Pacers to hold a fire sale for all of their veterans, though the likes of McConnell and Theis are far from indispensable pieces. In fact, both players are salary fillers whom Indiana should want to free itself from. Buddy Hield, however, should not have his fate tied with Turner. Aside from the fact that he’s a good fit, the team can always just package him separately as projected returns for him are already expected to be robust considering his play this season.
If the Lakers accept Westbrook’s limits as a contributor for a winning team, notwithstanding his improved play off the bench, and yield to LeBron’ passive-aggressive wish for the front office to focus on the present, then a price of two unprotected first-rounders for veterans (including San Antonio’s Josh Richardson) that help extend and maximize their competitive window should be worth it.
Regardless, as long as the Indiana Pacers can find a way to extract good value out of Myles Turner, they should pull the trigger. The actual deal may look far from this one, but the point stands that they can’t risk losing him for absolute nothing, especially if a path to an extension remains blurry.