The Indiana Pacers have already suffered multiple excruciating losses in the 2021-22 NBA season. On opening night against the Charlotte Hornets, the Pacers led by as many as 23 points but lost 123-122.
Their second game of the season wasn’t much better as they lost to the Washington Wizards 135-134 in overtime. What made that game so frustrating was not only did Myles Turner score a career-high 40 points, but the Wizards were without Bradley Beal.
If Indiana wants to make any noise this season, those are the kind of games they have to win. Many more excruciating losses like that and there could be some major changes in Indiana.
The Pacers were involved in trade talks for Ben Simmons as they were the first team to reportedly offer a deal to the Philadelphia 76ers. They declined at the time, but they have connected again recently.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Could Kings Look To Make Trade For Pacers’ Myles Turner?
But, those trade talks ceased once Malcolm Brogdon signed a contract extension, making him ineligible to be traded. In addition to Brogdon, Turner has also found himself on the trade block for a while.
According to one NBA executive, the Indiana Pacers have been trying to trade Turner for two years. If things don’t turn around quickly, they could actually pull the trigger on a deal that breaks up their jumbo frontcourt pairing of Turner and Domantas Sabonis.
“I think they’re trying this rebirth under Carlisle and thinking maybe they are good, and they just messed up last year,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “But, if things don’t look great, Carlisle will tell them very quickly what he thinks and sternly. They’ve been looking at blowing up the Sabonis and Turner frontcourt for two years.”
Several teams would get in on the Turner sweepstakes. The Boston Celtics have been linked to him previously, as well as the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Could Kings Look To Make Trade For Pacers’ Myles Turner?
Given the current landscapes of those rosters, deals with them may no longer be possible. But, an elite rim-protecting center that has 3-point range is something teams will line up to try and acquire.
Myles Turner led the NBA with 3.4 blocks per game last season, altering numerous more, and has knocked down 35.2 percent of his 3-point attempts in his career.
