One of the most popular names on the trade market ahead of the deadline during the 2021-22 NBA season was Indiana Pacers center, Myles Turner. The chatter hasn’t stopped in the offseason, as teams are still calling and checking in on his availability.
Indiana has said that they want to see how things work between him and Tyrese Haliburton, their new point guard who was acquired in the Domantas Sabonis trade. However, that stance could change with Turner on an expiring contract and not being interested in discussing an extension.
Marc Stein on his Substack recently detailed that the Texas product could prefer to play out his expiring deal, not work out an extension. That could change Indiana’s stance on not trading him should it hold true.
“The Pacers are hopeful about Turner’s long-term prospects in Indiana after trading away Domantas Sabonis. Yet I’m told there is a scenario I need to add to the range of possibilities for Turner as he heads into an offseason expected to feature contract extension talks: Word is he might seek to play out the final season of his contract valued at $18 million.”
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Coming off of a season in which he missed 40 games, it would make sense for the Pacers to try and work out an extension. They can offer a little less knowing that he is coming off an injury-plagued two seasons, as he played in only 47 out of 72 games the previous season as well.
Understandably, Turner doesn’t want to negotiate an extension now as well. He wants to improve his stock, as he was in the midst of arguably the best season of his career before the foot injury began impacting his performance on the court.
Not wanting to work out an extension could lead to the Pacers being more receptive to trading the versatile big man. His value, despite the injury, should still be rather high with his Unicorn skill set as a 3-point shooter and rim protector.
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If the Indiana Pacers do not believe they are going to be able to sign him at a price tag they are comfortable with, trading him for more assets this offseason would make sense for them. This is a situation to keep an eye on as Myles Turner looked like he was going to be traded before the injury and the interest in him has seemingly not waned.
