NBA Rumors: The Pacers don't want to pay Myles Turner, and the Lakers could take advantage of it

The Indiana Pacers are reportedly hesitating to give their veteran center a major extension this offseason. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the future of Myles Turner with the team may be uncertain due to his impending free agency and potential disconnect in contract talks.

"It's specifically just a basic contractual situation that he's about to be an unrestricted free agent and will want $30 million or more, and I've heard that Indiana is not sure if they want to offer $30 million or more," Buha said on his YouTube channel on Saturday. "If they don't, then from an asset management perspective, it makes sense to trade him and get something in return."

Buha also mentioned earlier this week that he has heard some discussions about the Pacers' willingness to trade Turner. We're talking about a 10-year veteran who has played his entire career with Indiana, in the final season of a two-year, $58 million extension he signed in 2023. Although some of his numbers have declined, he remains a key player for the Pacers, averaging 15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game, the fifth-best mark in the league.

Lakers Interested in Myles Turner

It's likely that a handful of teams will make an offer for Turner if he becomes available, and the Los Angeles Lakers would presumably be among the interested parties. Los Angeles is on the verge of being a contender but likely needs at least one move. Earlier this week, Lakers star Anthony Davis stated that the move should involve adding to the frontcourt.

"I think we need another big," Davis told ESPN's Shams Charania. "I feel like I've always been at my best when I've been the 4, having a big out there." Acquiring Turner might be challenging since the Lakers don't have much trade capital, but pairing the big man alongside Davis and LeBron James would make Los Angeles a team to watch in the Western Conference.

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