The Indiana Pacers started the process of rebuilding ahead of the 2022 NBA trade deadline. They traded away Domantas Sabonis, Caris LeVert and Torrey Craig, getting back young players and draft compensation.
This offseason, it was more of the same. Malcolm Brogdon was traded to the Boston Celtics, picking up another draft pick in the process. One player who surprisingly remains on the roster is Myles Turner, but it certainly wasn’t from a lack of trying.
Turner was involved in plenty of trade rumors ahead of the trade deadline and this offseason. It is nothing new to him, as he has been involved in rumors for years, as the Pacers have considered trading their starting center for more than half of his career.
This offseason, it looked like a deal would come to fruition. There are numerous teams around the league in need of help at the center position and Turner possesses the kind of skill set that teams covet. He is a good floor spacer with more potential offensively and an elite rim protector defensively.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers, Deandre Ayton & Phoenix Suns Updates
The Phoenix Suns looked like they could land Turner this offseason. Indiana signed Deandre Ayton, the Suns’ starting center, to an offer sheet as a restricted free agent this offseason. Turner was a rumored piece heading back to Phoenix as part of a sign-and-trade deal, but the Suns ultimately decided to just match Ayton’s offer sheet.
With Media Day occurring, Turner took time to address the elephant in the room, as he called it. There are no hard feelings according to Turner, as it is something that comes with being an NBA player.
Turner is adjusting to a new role within the franchise, as he is now one of the veterans in the locker room. Despite being only 26, Turner has the second most years of NBA experience on the roster, behind only James Johnson. T.J. McConnell is entering Year 8 as well along with Turner.
Currently the longest-tenured Pacer as well, Turner will be in a position of leadership. He touched on that when addressing the Ayton pursuit, which he said he will not do again during the season.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers, Deandre Ayton & Phoenix Suns Updates
Entering the final season of his contract, this is a big year for Turner. His skill set is a coveted one, but he could really increase his worth with a productive season. He will be put in a position to succeed by Rick Carlisle, it will just be up to Turner to take advantage of it and hopefully remain healthy.
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