Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
Some Pacers fans may have been expecting a bigger return. Sorry. Turner is on an expiring deal – teams wouldn’t be trading for him, so much as trading for an inside track on signing him in next summer’s free agency.
With that in mind, this is a solid return for him. The Pacers are landing a couple of interesting young players here. Either could help them as they build towards the future.
Granted, Killian Hayes has fallen short of predraft expectations. By now, future stardom looks highly unlikely. With that said, he’s still a great passer and solid defender with a good feel for the game. Moreover, he’s young enough that the Pacers ought to take a flier on him.
Still, the main return here is Stewart. He’s emerged as a versatile defensive big with a mean streak. His ability to protect the rim and survive in space makes him a nearly perfect big man for the modern game.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Detroit Pistons Updates
Of course, there’s a reason we said “nearly” perfect – Stewart, as of now, does not space the floor. By contrast, Turner does so as well as nearly any big in the NBA. Does that make him the right target for the Pistons?
