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NBA Trades: 3 Myles Turner trades for the Indiana Pacers to consider

By Jake Weinbach

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 02: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 02, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 02: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 02, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NBA Trades, Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
Feb 2, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) wins a jump ball over Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) in the second quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, NBA Trades: 3 Myles Turner trades for the Indiana Pacers to consider. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

With the Indiana Pacers transitioning into a full rebuild, coveted center Myles Turner could be the next asset to be offloaded this offseason. As Indiana continues to stay busy on the phones, they’re reportedly shopping Turner and at least gauging interest in his value.

The Pacers could certainly retain the 26-year-old big man heading into next season, but he’s on an expiring contract worth $18.0 million, and a mutual breakup could be the best option moving forward.

Turner could prefer a win-now situation instead of being part of a long-term rebuild, and Indiana should be more than willing to send him to a winning environment in exchange for future assets, similar to the recent Malcolm Brogdon trade that sent the veteran guard to the Boston Celtics.

Due to the Indiana Pacers’ shift of direction and Myles Turner’s availability, it seems likely that the experienced center will be moved sooner rather than later. A market for Turner should be increasingly open with plenty of organizations expressing interest, so let’s examine three potential trades for the valuable stretch big.

NBA Trades: 3 Myles Turner trades for Indiana Pacers: Memphis Grizzlies

Initially, the Memphis Grizzlies could pursue Myles Turner with a trade offer centered around center Steven Adams and two first-round picks. In this potential scenario, the picks heading to Indiana would be a 2023 unprotected first-round pick and a 2025 lottery-protected first-round pick.

Realistically, the Pacers should be open to the idea of two valuable future assets while absorbing the $17.9 million expiring contract of Steven Adams, who would serve as a salary filler in the deal.

Downgrading at the center position would help Indiana tank for a higher pick in next year’s NBA Draft while securing two more future picks that will eventually accelerate their rebuild.

As the Grizzlies seek to compete for a championship, strengthening its starting center position by acquiring Myles Turner could be a glorious opportunity. Turner’s terrific shot-blocking as a defensive anchor and ability to stretch the floor offensively would be a tremendous addition to a Memphis squad that has high aspirations.

Attaching Turner to a promising young core headlined by Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane would be exciting, to say the least. A frontcourt duo of Turner and Jackson Jr. would surely form a lethal defensive tandem.

Given the desirable assets of the Memphis Grizzlies and their urgency to win, trading for Myles Turner would make complete sense. The Grizzlies will certainly be a realistic suitor for Turner as rumors heat up this summer.

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