Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner failed to make the playoffs for the first time in his six-year career this past season.
Despite averages of 12.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.4 blocks in 47 games played this season, the 25-year-old’s contributions were not enough to save head coach Nate Bjorkgren’s job.
Bjorkgren was fired this week following the Pacers’ disappointing 34-38 campaign that saw them win their first postseason play-in game against the Charlotte Hornets, only to then get dismantled by the Washington Wizards.
While Bjorkgren was the first domino to drop, he likely won’t be the last.
The obvious question many have now is: what’ll happen to Turner?
According to J. Michael of the IndyStar, five teams are currently in the running for Turner’s services.
Those five teams?
The Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte Hornets, New York Knicks and New Orleans Pelicans.
In addition to that group, the Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly also in the mix.
So what does all this mean?
Well, clearly the Lakers in the midst of some big changes. One star is on the trade block, another clearly wants out, and a third’s status is up in the air. Adding Turner is a high-risk, high-reward proposition.
The Clippers are similarly in a weird place. Kawhi Leonard may or may not head to the Eastern Conference come season’s end, and getting a player of Turner’s caliber would probably be LA’s best shot at retaining him.
The Bucks owner’s daughter decided to bring 2021 in with a bang by stripping all her clothes off. https://t.co/UgzhEEna4o
— Game 7 (@game7__) January 7, 2021
The Hornets, Knicks, Pelicans and Timberwolves all also stand to uniquely benefit from bringing in someone with Turner’s skill set.
And that’s presuming the Pacers are even willing to part ways with him.
One way or another, this promises to be an interesting next couple of months.
Related: Nuggets Imploding After Latest Loss To Suns?
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
