The Indiana Pacers are starting to look like their old selves once again. While they still have some work to do (and injuries to overcome, most notably to Aaron Nesmith), there is no denying that the Pacers are playing good basketball and have reminded everybody they were just four wins away from an NBA Finals appearance earlier this year. Regardless, the Pacers find themselves in trade rumors. Again.
Earlier this month, the Pacers made a trade to land backup center Thomas Bryant from the Miami Heat. While not a blockbuster trade by any means, it was still significant nonetheless. Making this deal indicated that the Pacers are prepared to be active in the trade market and could remain a team to keep an eye on ahead of February's trade deadline.
While nothing is official yet, there are some players on the Pacers who could be traded at some point this season. This includes players on new contracts like Andrew Nembhard and Obi Toppin, as well as players who are familiar with the trading block, such as Myles Turner.
According to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, the Pacers are "willing" to listen to trade offers for Turner. However, at this point, it seems likely that Turner is not going anywhere, despite the recent reports.
"Myles Turner is the big question mark for the Pacers, as he would draw interest from various teams in both conferences as an impactful big man on an expiring contract. The Pacers have been willing to hear offers come their way for Turner, sources said, with nothing appearing to be imminent there," Siegel wrote.
The Pacers have proven they are committed to Myles Turner
Trading Turner away this season could make sense for Indiana. He is in the midst of a contract year and cannot sign an extension by the end of the season. Additionally, he is having a bit of a down year, and there are legitimate concerns about whether he can be a starting center for the Pacers as they aim to contend for a title. Regardless, there are few reasons to believe the Pacers will actually pull the trigger on a trade to ship out Turner.
Most notably, Pacers GM Chad Buchanan has already made it clear that the team values Turner for his fit on and off the court. Additionally, he has publicly said he wants to re-sign Turner as a free agent next summer. On the other hand, Turner has been committed to the Pacers since the team drafted him nearly a decade ago, and it seems likely he will choose to re-sign with Indiana when the time comes.
Turner is one of the best stretch bigs in the NBA and is a fantastic fit in Indiana's system. Furthermore, it is fair to assume that the Pacers would have already traded Turner if there was legitimate interest from their end to make a deal. It makes sense for the Pacers to do their due diligence and entertain a potential Turner trade, but at this point, there are more reasons than not to believe the team will hold on to the Pacers veteran instead.