Appearing on the Kevin & Query show on 107.5 The Fan in Indianapolis on Tuesday (YouTube link), Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan discussed a pair of veteran Indiana players who have been at the center of trade rumors this offseason: Myles Turner and Malcolm Brogdon.
Asked directly whether the Pacers are “actively shopping” Turner, Buchanan denied that the veteran center is on the trade block.
“We are not actively shopping Myles Turner,” Buchanan said. “At this point in our offseason process, we are listening to other teams that contact us, but we are in no hurry to massively alter this roster. We’re trying to do things in an order that allows us to give us a chance to be better down the road. Teams talk with each other this time of year and there’s conversations that are had, but we’re more of a listening type of organization than we are trying to make drastic changes. I think that’s where you make mistakes.”
Buchanan added that he believes Turner is in position to have a “tremendous season” now that the logjam at center involving Domantas Sabonis has been cleared, and suggested the Pacers are open to the idea of discussing a new contract with Turner, who is extension-eligible.
“Him and Domas playing together was good at times, it was challenging at times for both players. Now that we’ve cleared that up, he’s got a runway here to be our starting center,” Buchanan said. “He’s playing with probably the best pass-first point guard he’s played with in a long time in Tyrese (Haliburton) and he’s got a coach who believes in him. It’s a great opportunity for him to have a big year. We’d love to see him with us long-term. Whether that plays out or not, that’s kind of in his hands a little bit as well.
“… He’s a big part of this organization, who we are and what we stand for. … We could not be happier with what Myles has done for this organization over the last seven years and hopefully this continues for a long time to come.”
While Buchanan’s comments suggest the Pacers aren’t going out of their way to pursue trades involving Turner, he was far less equivocal when asked directly if the team is shopping Brogdon. Buchanan referred to the guard as a “tremendous player,” but hinted that Indiana is keeping its options open.
“When you’ve won 25 games, we have to look at everything we can to help set us up to be better in the long run. There’s opportunities out there that if they present themselves, we have to consider,” the Pacers’ GM said. “I think at the core, Malcolm is a great player. We signed him because he was a great player and he’s done a lot of really good things for us. We’re going to always be opportunistic if the opportunity presents itself moving forward, but at the end of the day, we like him on this team. I think he does some things that really complement the guys that we have, can help some of the young players on our team. We’ll see where it goes between now and the start of the season.”
Brogdon has been linked most frequently this offseason to the Knicks and Wizards. New York appears to be zeroing in on free agent guard Jalen Brunson, while Washington remains in the market for veteran help at the point.
What about Myles Turner though?
“Him and Domas playing together was good at times”. Chad’s High School English teacher must be SO proud. LOLOL!
Good b/c that would be dumb
“Trying to do things that will be better”. Sorry but this does not make you better, the only reason why both GM’s weren’t dismissed was they’re getting a second chance, then ownership who has never wanted to get involved, will clean house. Our GM is more concerned about bitcoin, and our assistant, 2 Portland Trailblazer protégés from 2011. That’s all the Pacers have going for them, then an 85 year old owner, whose son operates the team, and want nothing to do with it. Very disappointed. Miles Turner makes the team substantially worse, he gets outboxed in terms of rebounding, chucks up shots, and can’t make a basket. In Indiana it’s all about status quo, and sustainability and nothing will change until we clean house. This team loves mediocre talent, rather than focusing on player development, and anybody that is good, will get disrespected where there is no help. Why players will not go here, in free agency, we have to pay mediocre guys max because even they don’t want to come here. Our coach doesn’t know what’s going on anymore, he’s in a constant haze.
Good reasons to keep Turner were specified… He will be inside more so will “chuck” from outside less. He will need a traditional 4 tho— a Turner of his own! lol— if they can only keep Jalen Smith.
If Indy could trade Brogdon for a 4, perfect. There is a logjam at PG. Brogdon is at least as good a 2, but likes 1. He does not push pace as well as Mcconnell tho. Anyway they have Hali and firstrounder Nembhard now, and new wings Mathurin & Duarte for a new look.
But I doubt success is imminent even if a good Brogdon & Hield trade is made.
Wizards have a need and too many 4s. GM Sheperd and Beal should appreciate the professionalism of Brogdon if it happens.
@x%sure
If Brunson falls thru then Brogdon for Randle seems to be a good fit for BOTH. However, whose going to score for NY?