Myles Turner is set to hit free agency this offseason, and the Lakers are among the teams that might eye a potential sign-and-trade if he doesn't re-sign with the Pacers.
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and there's already speculation that he could be on the Los Angeles Lakers' summer list.
Points this season
Los Angeles Lakers
NBA
ESPN's Kevin Pelton recently suggested that the LA Lakers might explore a sign-and-trade deal for Turner as they look to address their frontcourt depth and lack of size at the center position.
While such a move wouldn't be easy to pull off, Pelton noted that both the Lakers and Golden State Warriors would make sense as potential destinations, especially if Turner and the Pacers are unable to agree on a new contract.
"Turner has featured in trade rumors so long that he has been linked to just about every team in need of a starting center," Pelton wrote. "A sign-and-trade would be complicated for the Warriors and the Lakers, but both franchises are clear fits in the unlikely event the Pacers and Turner can't strike a deal."
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The Pacers will need to navigate the financial side carefully. With 12 players already signed, they're projected to be about $20 million under the luxury tax, and Turner is likely to demand a salary above that range after earning $19.9 million this past season.
Turner put up solid numbers in 2024-25, averaging 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, while knocking down 39.6% of his three-point attempts.
The 27-year-old big man has spent his entire career with Indiana since being drafted in the first round back in 2015.
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