Why the New Orleans Pelicans Should Trade for Myles Turner
By Tim Burke
If the New Orleans Pelicans can find a way to make the finances work, Myles Turner would fit perfectly within their system.
There are a few players from the New Orleans Pelicans who contributed to the team in a positive way that are set to become free agents when the NBA makes the decision regarding how this crazy season will end.
Brandon Ingram is one player you can guarantee the New Orleans Pelicans will bring back on a max contract but re-signing Derrick Favors, Kenrich Williams, Jahlil Okafor, E’Twuan Moore and Frank Jackson will depend on what these players are asking for.
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If the Pelicans decide to let Favors leave, the team is going to need a new center who can play with Zion Williamson and company while filling a similar role that Favors did.
In short, the team will need a new center who can anchor a defense but not require the offense to run through him as well.
Trading for Myles Turner makes sense not only because he signed a long-term extension with the Pacers (4 years for $ 72 million) but also as a basketball fit.
He’s also logged a slightly higher usage rate (17.5%) than Favors (14.4%) this season but not so much higher that it would throw off the balance of the team.
The New Orleans Pelicans would also get a player who has never had much of an injury history. This season is the fewest games he’s played in a season with 55 games since his rookie year when he played in 60 games.
It’s safe to say that if the NBA hadn’t suspended the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic he would have played in many more games.
Turner is averaging 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks this season. Pair that with his 33.6% three-point shooting and you’ve got the recipe for a pick-and-pop big on offense and a dynamic shot blocker on defense.
Turner is good already, but could be even better with the New Orleans Pelicans.