It seems like people have been talking about the Indiana Pacers trading Myles Turner for years now – but the time has finally come.
The Pacers know it’s time to deal away Turner and the player knows it as well.
He is young, capable, and truly one of the more promising NBA stars around so the Pacers should let him fly from the nest and find success elsewhere.
Not only is it the right thing to do, but the Pacers could also really come out much better after a trade.
Turner Is Unhappy
In a December interview with The Athletic, Turner made it clear that he knows he’s not appreciated in Indiana.
His direct quote was, “it’s clear that I’m not valued as anything more than a glorified role player here, and I want something more, more opportunity.”
You can’t blame him for feeling that way because he knows how much potential he has and feels it withering away with the Pacers.
This season, Turner is averaging 12.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks a game.
That block stat is specifically impressive because it makes him the block leader this season.
Turner’s size and floor spacing abilities would make him an important and powerful part of any NBA Finals contender.
Imagine him playing down in the paint for the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, or others – he would be quite the threat to competitors and quite the asset to his team.
Pacer Problems…And Potential
The problem is that Indiana hasn’t been a formidable contender in years now and they have been trying to figure out how to tweak their roster for some time.
Practically everyone employed by the Pacers has been at risk of getting traded, including Turner.
That’s no way to create an NBA career – it’s hard to really focus and play to the best of your abilities when you know you could be packed up and shipped out at any moment.
Despite that, Turner has obviously done well because that’s the sort of player he is.
But the longer the Pacers sit on Turner, the more they are costing themselves valuable time.
Because of his abilities, as mentioned above, Turner will be highly coveted by many other teams once the Pacers make him available.
And because he’s doing so well, he can be exchanged for another incredible player.
There is no doubt that trading Turner could get the Pacers someone wonderful.
Sources: The Indiana Pacers are seeking two first-round picks or a promising young player and a first-round pick in exchange for Myles Turner, the NBA’s leading shot blocker. More on @hoopshype. https://t.co/28ygbbSnG2
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) January 17, 2022
In fact, if he is part of a package deal with other Pacers stars, Turner could be part of an arrangement that lands Indiana at least one All-Star.
But they owe it to Turner – and themselves – to move quickly, especially since Turner has been injured lately.
The big man is currently sidelined because of a stress reaction in his left foot.
That’s not a terribly serious injury but it could be a sign of other injuries in the future.
Re: Myles Turner: A stress reaction is a precursor to a stress fracture. Stopping activity & treating any underlying contributing factors can allow natural remodeling to catch up & repair the injury site. Involved bone is key w/ metatarsal fractures the most common.
— Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes) January 18, 2022
And something more serious could definitely injure his trade potential – something the Pacers and Turner certainly don’t want.
In other words, the time is now to trade Turner.
In the long run, it will be good for all sides involved.
NEXT: Myles Turner Speaks His Mind On Pacers Trade Rumors