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3 NBA Teams That Should Try to Trade for Pacers Big Man Myles Turner

By Sean Facey

Myles Turner is an intriguing trade option for a handful of teams.
Myles Turner is an intriguing trade option for a handful of teams. / Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

The NBA trade deadline is looming, and it looks as though the market for big men is heating up. Specifically, the Indiana Pacers are not against moving on from Myles Turner given their crowded frontcourt, and there are plenty of teams that could use his help as the season pivots toward a charge to the postseason.

3. Boston Celtics

Theis has had an up-and-down season in his limited role with the Celtics.
Theis has had an up-and-down season in his limited role with the Celtics. / Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

The Celtics have gotten surprisingly solid production out of Enes Kanter this year, especially on the glass, but Daniel Theis hasn't necessarily proven himself to be the most reliable piece. That's what makes Turner such an intriguing option for Boston, as he's a top defender with a taste for stuffing his opponents, averaging 1.9 blocks per game, and is capable of filling a major hole at center on both ends of the court.

2. Portland Trail Blazers

Terry Stotts and the Portland Trail Blazers have sorely missed Jusuf Nurkic
Terry Stotts and the Portland Trail Blazers have sorely missed Jusuf Nurkic / Abbie Parr/Getty Images

The Blazers might be strapped for cash, but they could end up making the contracts work to land Turner and give Damian Lillard some much-needed help. Not only would trading for Turner give the team the jolt it needs to climb out of the ninth seed and back into the West playoff picture, but it would also help shore up the team's depth at center in the absence of Jusuf Nurkic.

1. Miami Heat

The Heat don't have many quality options at center.
The Heat don't have many quality options at center. / Will Newton/Getty Images

The two true centers on Miami's roster are Kelly Olynyk and Meyers Leonard, and if they're serious about vying for a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference, then they have to make a move for a guy like Turner. His 12.1 points per game far surpass the marks of Olynyk (7.8) and Leonard (5.9), and his 105 defensive rating is likewise much better than either of theirs. Simply put, he's got a higher ceiling than any other center the Heat have on offer right now, and could help make the race for the East a lot more interesting.