After months of rumors about the Lakers‘ pursuit of Myles Turner, it may be the Clippers who make a strong play for the Pacers center, according to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report.
Multiple sources tell Pincus that the Clippers have discussed targeting Turner. The team is in need of another center after losing Isaiah Hartenstein to the Knicks in free agency, and Turner appears to be the best option on the market, provided that Indiana is willing to move him.
Nicolas Batum is currently serving as the primary backup to starting center Ivica Zubac, Pincus notes, with Marcus Morris and Robert Covington also spending time in that role. Turner would provide a legitimate option at the five and would ease the burden on Zubac.
Turner is in the final year of his contract, but Pincus hears that wouldn’t be a factor for the Clippers, as owner Steve Ballmer is willing to accept a high luxury tax in order to build a contender. Pincus’ sources say that L.A. prefers to move some of its wing depth in the deal, rather than a lead guard such as Reggie Jackson or John Wall.
Turner has an $18MM salary this season, so the Clippers would have to send out at least $14.3MM in any trade. Assuming the team keeps Zubac, Pincus states that Norman Powell, Luke Kennard, Jackson, Morris or Covington would have to be included to get a deal done soon. L.A.’s options will expand on December 15 when Wall becomes trade-eligible and again on January 15 when Amir Coffey and Batum can both be dealt.
The Clippers are limited to offering either their first-round pick in 2028 or 2029 because the team’s other first-rounders are covered by obligations to the Thunder from the Paul George trade. Pincus points out that L.A. has plenty of second-rounders to offer, apart from 2027, along with young prospects such as Brandon Boston, Jason Preston and Moussa Diabate.
Turner is off to a strong start, averaging career highs of 17.9 points and 8.7 rebounds in seven games. He’s also blocking 3.1 shots per game after leading the league twice in that category and would be a valuable rim protector for the Clippers.
Pincus cautions that the Pacers may not be in a hurry to make a move. The trade deadline isn’t until February 10, so there’s plenty of time for Indiana’s front office to gauge its offers. One source tells Pincus that the Pacers have become skeptical that a deal with the Lakers will work out.
You would think Indy wants to move him now while he’s healthy and playing his best ball in at least 3 seasons. Lakers are desperate. Pull the trigger already.
Exactly. Why he’s doing so well move him. Turner wants to go and Indy want to develop their young guys
Most the league should have interest in Turner.
He’s a three point shooting centre that is also an elite rim protector, on a team that’s rebuilding on an expiring contract.
Mavs Clips Lakers GSW Nets Raptors etc etc
The main concern is a lack of rebounding but for most teams it’s about rebounding as a team not as an individual so much. Now days you have guards and regularly getting 6-9 boards
I’d say for the clippers tho most of those pieces names probably don’t interest the pacers who are young and rebuilding. Then even the young guys they have Mann, Boston Jr etc are guards and they already have Halliburton Benedict and Duarte.
I guess I’d rather be injured in LA than Indiana especially with winter on the way. Go west, young man!
Boston should trade white and some picks for Turner. Move 6’8 R Williams to pf
If there is any competition for Turner, it’s hard to see the LAC winning it. 2028 is a long way off. Maybe a 3 team deal involving a team that would be interested in their veteran wings.
Those Clippers can be reflipped in other deals. Roco is always valuable and worth a late late 1 like top 23 protected in any year. He is already signed for next year and is a addition teams like the Cavs, Bulls, Sun’s, Raps, 6ers need. Boston is a Roco away from being unstoppable once Robert Williams comes back. Same with Kennard, he fits everywhere.
You Roco’s agent?
7 second rounders should do it
He should’ve been moved already. Myles wants out and Indiana wants to get their young guys more time. And Turner wants a very reasonable contract as a free agent coming up. Only 20 million a year for him is a steal
Time for Indiana to cash in those chips. They started off really well with the rebuild. Keep collecting picks and they should turnaround sonnet than expected.