If Myles Turner explores free agency, the Indiana Pacers could have two Eastern Conference rivals try to pry away their franchise center.
While the Indiana Pacers are focused on winning the NBA Finals, as soon as the series ends, they will have to grapple with both free agency and the NBA Draft.
Myles Turner is the only major free agent the Pacers have, and he has spent all 10 of his NBA seasons in Indiana. He leads the franchise in blocks and is the longest-tenured player on the roster, and he will be one of the most coveted free agents this summer.
While teams like the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make a run at Turner, his staying in Indiana seems like the most likely outcome, although two Eastern Conference teams have now also expressed interest in him.
Hawks want to round out their roster with Turner
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images
The Atlanta Hawks, despite missing the playoffs, have a very clear direction. Trae Young and Dyson Daniels are the backcourt of both the present and future. Jalen Johnson, before having his season end with injury, was one of the best young players in the league, and first-overall pick Zaccharie Risacher showed flashes as an excellent floor spacer.
While Onyeka Okongwu is an underrated center, Turner is a bona fide star who can shoot and protect the rim, filling some voids for the Hawks.
If Zaccharie Risacher takes a second-year leap and further depth is added, Turner’s presence could help stabilize and elevate a Hawks team seeking to reestablish itself as a playoff contender,” wrote NBA insider Grant Afseth for RG.
“Atlanta is also monitoring Turner’s situation closely.”
Clint Capela is a free agent as well, and Turner would be a clear upgrade on both ends of the floor. He would get to play a similar role for the Hawks as he does for the Pacers, although Atlanta, as a worse team, might have to offer him more money.
Pistons could pair Turner with Cunningham
While the Detroit Pistons, like the Hawks, are simply not as good as the Pacers, they are expected to open a title window next season.
Cade Cunningham broke out as a superstar, and young wings Ron Holland, Jaden Ivey, and Ausar Thompson helped shore up a gritty defense. Turner would be an upgrade over Jalen Duren and provides some much-needed shooting, especially if the Pistons can’t re-sign Malik Beasley.
“For Detroit, the opportunity to pair Turner with rising star Cade Cunningham is an enticing one,” Afseth continued. “The Pistons ranked 14th in offensive rating and 10th in defensive rating last season, and adding a complementary piece like Turner could help accelerate their climb in the Eastern Conference.”
Of course, both the Hawks and Pistons would have to offer more in the way of salary than the Pacers.
For both teams, Turner would play a similar role to the one he currently occupies, although he would have to uproot his life in Indiana, giving the Pacers a clear advantage over their rivals.
The Pacers will pick 23rd and 54th in the 2025 draft, and will likely try to shore up their frontcourt.