For years, the Indiana Pacers have hinted at trading Myles Turner, with each NBA season bringing new reports about his uncertain future in Indiana. Now, with Turner’s free agency approaching this summer and uncertainty over his potential re-signing at a favorable price for the Pacers, sources say Indiana and the Los Angeles Lakers have resumed their annual discussions about a possible Turner trade.
Sources familiar with the situation reveal that the Lakers have had extensive internal talks about Turner and are contemplating whether it makes sense to offer both of their available first-round picks at the upcoming trade deadline.
A major concern for Los Angeles is whether Turner would be willing to re-sign this summer at a reasonable rate. If he does, then this might be the year general manager Rob Pelinka finally pursues a trade for Turner.
Recently, the Lakers had focused on players like Jonas Valanciunas and Nikola Vucevic. However, with the Chicago Bulls asking for a first-round pick for Vucevic and Washington seeking a protected first for Valanciunas, sources say the Lakers have shifted their attention to Turner.
Let’s analyze how Turner would fit with the Lakers, his cost, and the likelihood of such a deal happening.
The Pros
With Anthony Davis wanting to reduce his time as a center, acquiring Turner would make sense, as he could thrive both as an individual contributor and alongside Davis. Turner is currently shooting 39.3% from three on over five attempts per game, which would create enough space for both centers to play together. If Rui Hachimura were included in a trade, the spacing could even accommodate players like Jarred Vanderbilt, whose shooting is less reliable.
Defensively, Turner is exceptional and can serve as the primary rim protector. The Lakers struggle defensively when Davis is off the court, so having Turner step in during those minutes would significantly improve the team’s defense. If the Lakers face bigger centers, Turner and Davis could shut down the paint, as both are mobile enough to play the power forward role when needed. This would prevent other teams from targeting them, something that could happen with centers like Vucevic or Valanciunas.
Davis and Turner could also alternate guarding Nikola Jokic, with the other offering help, which was not a viable option in past playoff matchups with the reigning MVP.
If the Lakers want to fulfill Davis’ wishes, Turner is one of the best fits they could realistically pursue in terms of both talent and compatibility.
The Cons
Right now, there are few basketball-related drawbacks to acquiring Turner. If his shooting declines after arriving in Los Angeles, the fit alongside Davis could become awkward. However, their defensive prowess could offset any spacing concerns.
The real downside to trading for Turner is financial. With Turner set to become a free agent this year, the Lakers would want to avoid trading multiple first-round picks for only a couple of months of his services. If Turner does re-sign, Davis will be earning $54.1 million next year, while Turner will likely make around $30 million. That’s $84+ million for two centers, and with LeBron James’ player option worth $52.6 million, the Lakers could end up dedicating most of their cap space to three players who predominantly play the same position.
Depending on Turner’s contract, the cost to acquire him, and how the dual-center strategy works out, the Lakers might struggle to make future moves, leaving them with few assets. This approach is risky, especially considering their previous failed experiment with Russell Westbrook.
The Cost
To bring in Turner, the Lakers would likely have to part with both of their first-round picks. One simple option could involve sending Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and those two picks to Indiana in exchange for Turner. However, this seems unlikely, as it would signal a rebuild for the Pacers, who are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference.
Another possibility is involving the Portland Trail Blazers as a third team, with Robert Williams III going to Indiana, Hachimura and a lesser pick going to Portland. Either way, the deal would likely require two first-round picks, Hachimura (since he’s the Lakers’ only non-negative contract), and additional filler.
The Likelihood of a Myles Turner Trade to the Lakers
Initially, I didn’t believe Turner was actually available, despite some rumors. However, as the noise around the situation has intensified, the possibility seems more realistic. From the Lakers’ perspective, if Vucevic, Valanciunas, and others are asking for first-round picks, they would prefer a player they feel is worth that price.
It’s hard to believe Turner is truly available, though. Indiana is coming off a strong playoff run, with Turner playing a crucial role. Trading him away just months before another playoff push doesn’t seem logical.
That said, Indiana is a small-market team and may need to make tough decisions with a roster that might have reached its peak after last season’s playoff run. If they can trade Turner, whom they could lose for nothing this summer, for at least one first-round pick and his replacement, they may find that path worthwhile.
The key factors will be the Lakers’ willingness to part with their first-round picks, Turner’s contract expectations, and whether Indiana will actually pull the trigger after years of trade rumors.
