One NBA writer has proposed that the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns make a blockbuster trade centered around Myles Turner and Deandre Ayton.
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report is proposing that the Suns trade Ayton to the Pacers for Turner and T.J. McConnell.
“The Pacers are natural partners here, considering they inked Ayton to the $133 million offer sheet Phoenix matched in 2022,” Hughes wrote. “Though depth is less of an issue now than it was before the Suns’ ridiculously successful minimum-signing bonanza, getting multiple players in exchange for Ayton should still be a priority.
“Here, Phoenix gets a floor-spacing center in Turner who’ll block more shots than Ayton, plus a point guard in McConnell who might deserve to start (or even close) over incumbent Cameron Payne.”
Turner is an outstanding rebounder and defender. He’s led the league in blocks per game twice and can stretch the floor with his improved shooting.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns, Myles Turner & Indiana Pacers Updates
A Texas product, Turner put up 18.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game in 2022-23 for the Pacers while shooting 54.8% from the field, 37.3% from beyond the arc and 78.3% from the free-throw line.
Many people around the NBA expected the Suns to trade Ayton this summer. Instead, the franchise traded Chris Paul to the Washington Wizards for Bradley Beal. Ayton averaged 18.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists for the Suns last season while shooting 58.9% from the floor and 76.0% from the free-throw line. New Phoenix head coach Frank Vogel wants to see what he has in Ayton before the front office tries to trade him again.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns, Myles Turner & Indiana Pacers Updates
Ayton tried to leave the Suns last offseason by signing a four-year, $132.9 million offer sheet with the Pacers in restricted free agency. However, Phoenix matched Indiana’s offer sheet. It’s not a stretch to assume that the Pacers are still interested in Ayton.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
