On Monday night, the Indiana Pacers stole a victory from the Utah Jazz. Despite looking sluggish for most of the game, the Pacers turned it on in the fourth quarter to take home a comeback win. It was not pretty, but the Pacers should be happy with their resilience in what was their fourth consecutive victory. However, despite the victory, there were a few negatives fans could take away from the game, including one that may have long-term implications.
Myles Turner is borderline untouchable ahead of the trade deadline
The Pacers were without starting center Myles Turner against Utah due to an ankle injury. In his place, they started Thomas Bryant. In nearly two months with the team since they traded for him from the Miami Heat, Bryant has been a solid addition. He brings great energy off the bench and plays well in the system. However, for most of the game against the Jazz, Bryant played very poorly.
Through three quarters, Bryant recorded 2 points on 1-for-9 shooting, four rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal. While he redeemed himself in a major way, playing a key role for the Pacers in the fourth quarter, this game made one thing crystal clear--the Pacers cannot trade Turner.
With the trade deadline just days away, there are some rumblings about the Pacers potentially moving on from Turner. The Texas native is an impending free agent who cannot sign a contract extension this season. Additionally, according to reports, the Pacers and Turner may have a difficult time coming to terms on a new deal. Naturally, because of this, a trade could make sense in theory as a way for the Pacers to get some value for him. However, he is too valuable to the team on both sides of the ball, and the Pacers cannot trade him.
Fortunately for Pacers fans, it seems unlikely that the team will trade their long-time center this season. The Pacers are red-hot and have lost just two games over a month into 2025. Turner is a big reason for their turnaround, and trading him now is way too risky. Additionally, it is highly unlikely the Pacers would get a fair return for Turner at this point anyway. As if it was not already clear before, the Pacers need Turner to maximize their title chances.
Bryant is a good player, and Pacers fans should be happy to have him on the team, but by all accounts, he is no Turner.