When the Pacers attempted to recruit Deandre Ayton in free agency this past offseason, Tyrese Haliburton traveled to Santa Barbara, California with president Kevin Pritchard, general manager Chad Buchanan, and head coach Rick Carlisle to be part of the team’s pitch to the Suns center.
Indiana’s four-year, maximum-salary offer sheet for Ayton was ultimately matched by Phoenix, but Haliburton said it “meant a lot” that the club included him in its recruitment of the former No. 1 pick, writes Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. As Fischer details, it’s part of the Pacers’ plan to give the third-year guard the reins during the team’s rebuilding process.
“He is the franchise guy, very, very openly,” one rival executive told Fischer, referring to Haliburton. “They have handed him the keys, and they’re betting he can be their alpha guy.”
Here’s more from around the Central:
- After sharing his thoughts on a possible trade to the Lakers, Pacers center Myles Turner wanted to make clear during a conversation with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype that he’s still committed to his current team. “I’m excited about what we have here in Indiana,” Turner said. “I understand that some of the things I might’ve said in that podcast (with Adrian Wojnarowski) could’ve gotten misconstrued answering hypothetical questions. This isn’t a hypothetical. I’m here in Indiana. I’ve got real estate in Indiana. I’ve got a fan section in our own arena. I’m a Pacer. I’ve been a Pacer my entire career. I can’t tell the future, but where I’m at right now, I’m very happy.”
- Given how much projected 2023 cap room they had, the Pistons essentially did some offseason shopping early by extending Bojan Bogdanovic, writes Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press (subscription required). Sankofa likes the decision to lock up Bogdanovic, noting that he’s exactly the type of player Detroit’s roster needed.
- Bucks rookie guard A.J. Green is expected to be sidelined for about three weeks due to a nasal fracture, the team announced today in a press release. Green, who underwent surgery to repair the fracture, is on a two-way contract with Milwaukee and has just appeared briefly in one game so far this season.
Dwight Powell, Jaden Hardy, Josh Green & Dal’s 2023 1st for Myles is a smooth move for Myles, Indy & Dallas
Also a fan of Myles going to Dallas.
Myles goes back home and has a chance to play for a contender. He gives them elite rim protection and can still space the floor.
Then deal Davis Bertans and a second for Duncan Robinson (Heat need a PF) and gives you depth. Then look at getting a spark plug back up point guard (Trey Burke, Kemba Walker, Isiah Thomas, Eric Bledsoe)
Dinwiddie Doncic Hardaway Wood Turner
Robinson Bullock DFS McGee + a PG
That’s a top tier team
Turner would be a good fit in Charlotte, too bad Miles Bridges is untradeable
The first is already traded to New York
Now that Udoka is likely to be confirmed as the Nets new coach.
I think they need to desperately make a play for Myles Turner.
Kyrie Simmons KD Turner
For Cam Thomas/Nic Claxton
Myles is headed to the Bulls. You heard it here first.