The Houston Rockets certainly got NBA fans talking this summer. This team made some major moves. The Rockets signed Fred VanVleet away from the Toronto Raptors. They poached Dillon Brooks from the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Rockets have been tanking for several seasons, but obviously, they don’t intend on tanking in 2023-24. With that said, they didn’t get every target on their list, either.
The Rockets allegedly thought they had an agreement with Brook Lopez. At the last minute, the veteran big man changed his mind. Still, it seems like the Rockets would be interested in acquiring a rim-protecting big man who spaces the floor. Could they make a midseason move for Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers?
The Trade Proposal
Indiana Pacers Receive: G/F Kevin Porter Jr., F Jae’Sean Tate, 2024 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU), 2026 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: C Myles Turner
In fact, the outcome of the Rockets’ 2023-24 season could settle a lot of debates. Is this the right way to build a team in the NBA? Some will suggest that it’s not. They’ll say the practice of tanking encourages bad, unbreakable habits.
If that’s true, the Rockets should have another season at the bottom of the league. If they find success, then surely some of those habits have been broken. By contrast, the Pacers wouldn’t know.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Houston Rockets Updates
This organization has historically been allergic to tanking. The 2022-23 season was no exception. The Pacers missed the playoffs, but they stayed competitive. With that philosophy in mind, why would they send Turner to the Rockets?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
Meanwhile, Turner has been in trade rumors for years. The Pacers haven’t moved him. What makes us think they’d do so this year? Nothing in particular. We’re not necessarily making a prediction here.
We’ll only say this: if the Pacers remain mediocre, they might want to consider drastic measures. This team doesn’t want to get stuck. If they’re underperforming leading up to the deadline, look for Turner’s name to crop up in trade rumors again.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Houston Rockets Updates
With this move, the Pacers would be taking a step backward in the interest of taking two steps forward. Porter Jr. isn’t as impactful as Turner, but he’s a versatile player who can catch and shoot as well as provide some secondary shot creation. Throw in a pair of unprotected firsts, and this is a good deal for Indiana. Is it the right move for the Rockets?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
We already know that the Rockets would be interested in a player like Turner. They tried to sign one. From a functional perspective, Turner and Lopez are among the most similar players in the NBA.
Go ahead: name another big man who protects the rim at an elite level while spacing the floor. This is a rare type of player. Here, the Rockets are landing a unicorn. Meanwhile, they’re paying a price that they shouldn’t mind paying to land him.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Houston Rockets Updates
After all, this team already has an excessive amount of young talent. They may be done drafting and developing young players. Meanwhile, they’re lacking a rim-protecting big man to help them take the next step. Here, they’re acquiring one – and getting NBA fans talking in the process.
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