One NBA writer is proposing that the New Orleans Pelicans acquire big man Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers this summer.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed that the Pelicans send center Jonas Valanciunas, guard Kira Lewis Jr and small forward Naji Marshall to the Pacers for Turner.
“If the Pelicans still view Zion Williamson as the focal point of the franchise moving forward, this offseason needs to continue to be about finding the best pieces to put around him,” Swartz wrote. “Valanciunas is a good starting center, but Turner remains the better fit next to Williamson thanks to his rim protection and three-point shooting. Turner knocked down 37.3 percent of his outside shots and swatted away 2.3 shots a game all while averaging a career-high 18.0 points a contest.
“Valanciunas can take over center duties in Indiana or be shopped for a younger option to fit this team’s timeline better. Lewis, 22, is a former lottery pick, and Marshall, 25, put up 14.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and shot 46.9 percent in 21 games as a starter,” Swartz explained.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Turner averaged 18.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.3 blocks for the Pacers this season. The two-time blocks champion shot 54.8% from the field and 37.3% from beyond the arc.
A Texas product, Turner signed a two-year, $58 million extension with the Pacers in January. The Texas native has career averages of 13.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.3 blocks.
The Pelicans could start CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Herbert Jones, Zion Williamson and Turner next season. If Williamson and Ingram can stay healthy, New Orleans should be able to win more than 42 games with Turner next to them. The Pelicans went 42-40 this season and lost the 9-10 play-in game at home to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Williamson only played in 29 games this season, while Ingram appeared in just 45. Zion has played in only 114 NBA games since being drafted in 2019.
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