Myles Turner heard his name pop up in trade rumors last offseason, specifically regarding the Celtics, and there’s a good chance the Pacers will see what they could get for Turner in talks this summer. Turner says his preference would be to stay put, as he told Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney.
“I love Indianapolis and there’s no place I’d rather be than here – it’s my second home and the fans are the best the NBA has to offer. In terms of any trade rumors, I’m really just trying to stick to basketball,” Turner said. “I’m laser-focused on being the best I can be on the court, supporting my teammates and trying not to get wrapped up in rumors.”
We have more from the Central Division:
- The Mavericks and Knicks are two potential landing spots for Bulls free agent Lauri Markkanen, Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times speculates. According to Cowley, Markkanen would prefer to join forces with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, but Markkanen and Porzingis possess similar skill sets, so that might not be a fit for the Mavericks. However, the Knicks will have the most cap room this offseason and could use more shooting, Cowley adds. Chicago will have to extend a $9MM offer to make Markkanen a restricted free agent.
- Killian Hayes needs more time to develop before anyone can determine whether he’s a long-term fit with the Pistons, Rod Beard of The Detroit News writes. The abbreviated preseason put all rookies behind the proverbial eight-ball and Hayes missed a significant chunk of time with a hip injury. The summer will be crucial for Hayes to develop his game.
- The Pistons hold the No. 2 spot heading into next month’s draft lottery. The Athletic’s James Edwards III examines some potential scenarios, depending upon where the team sits after the lottery is held.
Few things are as certain as the Knicks NOT pursuing LM. To think this didn’t even come from Berman.
Get used to any player close to any type of free agency being linked to the Knicks.
Between cap space and hype from the playoff appearance, people will be milking them for clicks all summer long.
Lauri to the Knicks is coming from Lauri’s agent.
I think the Celtics need to be in on markannen
For what? Injuries? It’s the only thing he’s consistently good at. He can’t rebound, can’t defend very well, shoots 36% from deep, can’t switch much. I silly see the value for the C’s. Even if he shoots 40% from deep consistently, he’s a one trick pony that can’t stay on the court consistently.
Celtics don’t have tax room to take Lauri contract
Like Lakers and Clippers, Celtics will decline next season
Lauri makes a lot of sense for the Spurs as a stretch 4 next to Murray, White, Johnson, and Poeltl.
San Antonio is the best fit. They are not going to pay Derozen.
The Mavs pretty much already have a skilled big with big injury issues in Porzingis. To get another would be a waste and would be killing Luka’s chances.
I actually disagree alittle. Since they posses pretty similar skill sets. If u can get him for 9-10 mill a year on a 2 year deal. It is like having a safety net if one or the other is injured. But if both r hurt at the same time then ur back in the same boat which may happen lol. But if Kristaps is hurt and Lauri isn’t or the other way around u have the pick and pop big for Luka. Maxi just isn’t at the same level as those 2 guys. And maxi could actually b an attractive trade piece if they were to lose Timmy Jr to a big offer they can’t/don’t want to match or exceed. They need either a big step up from Green and the kid outta stanford or they need to trade for a more consistent wing to help with some of the play making for Luka. If they can get Lauri at a reasonable salary and resign Jr. and get a wing by trading Maxi they could push for a western conference final next year
Knicks aren’t going after LM. Thibs is strictly a defense first/anchoring 5 type of coach. LM doesn’t play much defense and he has no path with Randle at the 4. Honestly i’d see the Knicks pursuing Turner more. He’s a Thibs type of player and he can space the floor a little as well.
So many players lie through their teeth. So you love Indy Turner??? You dreamed of playing there and this and that? Right!!! Another fake statement! With that said Turner on the hornets would be beneficial to both parties.
What’s he supposed to say “this place is a dump and the coach is a psycho”? Lol
No. He should say “The season was indeed not how we thought it would go, but we will see going forward”. Every player can’t love every single team they are on. At least Jimmy Butler kept it real…
True, but look how Butler was labeled before he found success in Miami. Unfortunately the media will twist everything these guys say to serve their own agendas. That’s why they come out with boring quotes.
Actually a lot of former Pacers stay in and around Indy post retirement. If you just want to play ball and not be hassled it’s a great place to be. If you want a lot of media attention them it’s not. It’s a stable, well run organization.
Taking the next step is just a challenge for them.