Following their trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Indiana Pacers could use their newfound additional cap flexibility to upgrade their center position. Myles Turner has had an up-and-down postseason run, as noted by Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports, and while the Pacers have made it all the way to the Finals, seeking upgrades should be a constant effort in today’s NBA.
The Pacers just traded the No. 23 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft to the Pelicans in exchange for their own 2026 first-round pick. Indiana originally traded their 2026 first-rounder to the Toronto Raptors in the Pascal Siakam deal, and New Orleans acquired it in the Brandon Ingram trade.
But now, with the small bit of additional financial flexibility the Pacers have added by shipping out their first-rounder, they should try to find a center upgrade.
How can Pacers find a Myles Turner upgrade?
For years, Turner has been on the trade block. It’s become more of a running joke than an actual rumor at this point. But with his inconsistent performance throughout the postseason, and the Pacers so clearly on the cusp of something amazing, improving their roster should be a focal point this summer.
The biggest question for the Pacers this summer will be where their potential center upgrade can come from. What centers (who are better and a better fit than Turner) are available or could be made available?
Indiana will have a bit extra flexibility under the luxury tax, according to Keith Smith of Spotrac, and since Turner is slated to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, prioritizing an upgrade could be an intriguing idea.
Free agency looks rough in terms of upgrades. Turner may be the best center available on the open market this summer. That leaves the trade market.
What teams are going to be selling this summer? What available centers can adapt to the run-and-gun play style the Pacers have adopted so beautifully? What teams could want the pieces Indiana may have to offer?
If he can stay healthy, Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III could be an intriguing fit. Indiana could even retain Turner and trade for Williams as a backup option.
Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton could be a perfect fit if the Pacers are willing to ship out the necessary asking price to get him. Claxton’s defense and rim-running play style could fit in with Indiana on both ends. The same can be said for Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford.
The biggest problem the Pacers may run into is replacing the three-point shooting Turner brings to the table. They may be better off bringing Turner back and adding a second starting-level big man.
Regardless, it’s looking clearer than ever that upgrading the center position should be a priority for the Pacers this summer.