Asked on a live stream on Friday whether the Pacers might be open to trading center Myles Turner, who is on an expiring contract, Jovan Buha of The Athletic (YouTube link) said he has heard a “little bit of chatter” about that possibility.
However, based on his wording, it sounds like Buha is just referring to speculation from rival executives who are curious about whether Indiana will be able to pay Turner in free agency this summer, rather than any concrete signs the club is considering making him available. The 28-year-old won’t become eligible for an extension before reaching unrestricted free agency in July, so if Indiana isn’t confident about its ability to re-sign him, hanging onto him would carry the risk of losing him for nothing in the summer.
I’d be very surprised if the Pacers entertain the idea of trading Turner by February 6, given that he’s the starting center on a team that has played its best basketball of the season in recent weeks (9-2 in January).
Still, it’s worth noting that Indiana’s front office showed a year ago that it’s willing to trade a regular contributor if the team doesn’t expect to be able to sign him beyond the current season. After he turned down an extension offer from the Pacers, Buddy Hield was shipped to Philadelphia at last season’s deadline, despite the fact that he was averaging 25.7 minutes per game and had started 28 of 52 contests for Indiana.
Here are a few more trade-related notes and rumors from around the NBA:
- Within his latest dispatch at The Stein Line (Substack link), Jake Fischer explores what the Heat are looking for in a Jimmy Butler trade, reiterating a few points that have been reported elsewhere, including the fact that Miami is prioritizing cap flexibility and short-term contracts, as well as players who can help the team make the playoffs this season.
- To that end, Fischer cites sources who say that the Heat have registered some interest in Raptors wing Bruce Brown, who is on a $23MM expiring contract, and confirms that Toronto is widely viewed as a team interested in facilitating a larger deal. “They want to get involved in any Jimmy Butler trade,” one rival general manager told Fischer. Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon, who is on an expiring $22.5MM contract, is another example of the type of proven veteran on a favorable contract who might appeal to Miami, Fischer adds.
- After creating some cap flexibility last offseason when they let Paul George walk in free agency, the Clippers remain “keen on keeping their books clean,” according to Fischer, who says the team has conveyed to rivals that it’s not eager to take on long-term salary in pre-deadline trades.
- The Athletic’s NBA writers take a closer look at all 30 teams, considering whether the best approach to the deadline for each of those clubs is to buy, sell, or stand pat.
Just my opinion,
To acquire Butler, it needs a center piece and expiring contracts.
1. Center piece
a role player similar to Mikal Bridges or Austin Reaves (sample)
2. Expiring contracts
First things first (key to trade success)
Find a taker for Bradley Beal contract
Amazing insight Captain
he’s the best, isn’t he?
Butler isnt worth all that
Sillyman ……….
I’m a Heat fan and I don’t care if we get a centerpiece. I understand Riley may be holding out for one. But I’m done with Butler and his affect on the rest of the team.
For me, I’m okay with getting the following:
1 – certificate for some premium quality movie theater popcorn.
2 – expiring contracts
3 – draft pick capital
With that, I’m good…and I’ll personally drive Jimmy to the airport to jump on his peronal flight. But I imagine, at this point, I may not be the only person waiting to drive Jimmy to the airport. But I’ll be the one that makes sure he safely gets to his next team, instead of some who may drive him the Chicago, Minneapolis, or Philly.
Miami is in the drivers seat. Worst case scenario for them is they are stuck with Jimmy on an expiring $50+ million contract, which is a very significant trade chip to work with. Jimmy can’t be stuck in a situation where he is just sitting in Miami. Destroys his market value which is already below where he wants it. Phoenix needs to make a deal to get Brad Beal out of town because he now knows that they want to move him out, and bring Jimmy in. Miami ain’t giving Phoenix no discounts. Making it pretty clear that they are willing to sit on Jimmy if Phoenix don’t match their price.
PHX cannot match their price. If they can find a team willing to take Beal then whatever that team has in salary match is what MIA gets, period.
Are you referring to his player option? Because the actual contract expires this year.
Toronto wants to get involved because they will need to be compensated for the risk that Butler continues this behavior and the risk that he’ll pick up his option.
What? This doesn’t make any sense whatsoever
Forget facilitators, MIA has 12 days to find either 1) a team (other than PHX) that wants to acquire Butler, or 2) a team willing to take Beal. Is TOR suggesting that it’s the latter?
Turner to dubs,clips or suns
Brown to kings or grizz
Butler to suns,grizz or rox
Lavine to bucks
Beal to pistons
Kings get – Robert Williams, Thybulle
Blazers get – Huerter, Lyles, draft comp
Who says no?
Turner isn’t going anywhere. Pacers don’t have another Center. Can we please stay attentive……
Jimmy B has an opt out at end of yr (PO). Or he can opt in to facilitate a trade. I would think Heat would want to move up n Now. He’ll be traded ..
FVV, T Eason, #1 pick, two 2nd rd picks …..
Raptors will move Brown. I wouldn’t give up a #1. Unless they take back salary. Rumors are they want a pick.
Mitch will be back this year. It’s looking like he won’t be in game shape. Till end of March-April. So will Knicks wait on him. Or will another team be willing to wait. I can see both.
Knicks biggest need. Is a bench scorer. I expect them to after one. Whether they trade Mitch or not. Mitch has a very friendly contract, 1yr left.
Good on the Clippers for not caving to PG, but they should have pulled the same thing with Kawhi.