Myles Turner Anchors Toronto Raptors’ Defense

Toronto Raptors Receive: C Myles Turner

Indiana Pacers Receive: C Khem Birch, F Otto Porter Jr., C Precious Achiuwa, 2023 First-Round Pick (TOR)

This deal would have the Toronto Raptors changing course in a number of ways. Sometimes, as a fringe contender, that’s the best option.

Giving up on Precious Achiuwa would sting. We know he’s a personal favorite of General Manager Masai Ujiri. His development as a combo big with versatile defense and floor-spacing ability was an exciting part of the 2021-22 season for this franchise.

Meanwhile, shipping Otto Porter Jr. to a rebuilding team would be awkward. After all, the Raptors just signed him – in fact, this trade couldn’t even go through until after October 4th for that reason.

Having said all of that: Myles Turner is worth it for the Toronto Raptors. He provides exactly the rim protection this team was missing in 2021-22. Furthermore, his ability to space the floor while providing it means that Nick Nurse will hardly have to alter his offensive playbook.

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Turner could be the missing piece that removes the “fringe” caveat from Toronto’s contention.