New Orleans Pelicans: Assessing an ideal Myles Turner trade

The New Orleans Pelicans should think hard about potentially trading for Myles Turner

Not even a game into the NBA Finals and offseason rumors are already swirling. That’s the business of the modern NBA though, a truly yearlong sport that never stops pumping out news. With the New Orleans Pelicans standing at a crossroads, that means they consistently find their way into every rumor that comes around.

The big one that I want to focus on today is the speculation surrounding Indiana Pacers’ big man, Myles Turner. Turner is a player that I’ve liked ever since seeing him play college ball at Texas. He’s the perfect big man for the modern age, a mean shot blocker, and a smooth 3 point shooter.

A couple of days ago, Jared Weiss of the Atheltic reported that Myles Turner wants out of Indiana this offseason due to how the Pacers continually changed Turner’s role to accommodate Domantas Sabonis.

Of course, reading that news instantly sparked curiosity in the minds of New Orleans Pelicans fans with many asking could Myles Turner be the missing piece? It’s a good question but before I give my opinion let’s assess Turner’s situation and see how it fits with the Pelicans.

Assessing the New Orleans Pelicans trading for Myles Turner

The first thing I instantly look at when it comes to Myles Turner is his production. Over the past two seasons, Turner is putting up 12 points and 7 rebounds per game which is pedestrian but he’s also averaging 36 percent shooting from distance and 2.4 blocks per game.

What this production tells me is that Turner wasn’t asked to be the focal point of Indiana’s offense but a complementary player. I think when considering the number of offensive options on the Pelicans roster that’s a good thing.

Seeing how often Turner gets blocks and how strong he is when defending in the paint is the most compelling reason to add Turner to the Pelicans. The Pelicans are one of the worst teams when it comes to defending in the paint and adding Turner can boost that weakness.

Now let’s talk contract. When looking at Myles Turner’s contract I think it’s fair to say that he’s a bargain at $18 million a year for the next three years. That contract is much smaller than a max deal and gives the Pelicans an All-Star caliber player for multiple years.

This is where things get tricky though, the deal. We recently evaluated a Myles Turner trade that saw the New Orleans Pelicans move on from Lonzo Ball and I’m not sure the team wants to make that move just yet.

I think if the Pelicans can get the Pacers to bite on a deal like this then we’re looking at a deal with serious potential.

This package might seem steep but it’s a fair value when you break it down. In this deal, the Pelicans give the Pacers something they desperately need more of which is 3 point shooting. I like the idea of moving Redick and Hart as well because it gives the Pacers two players that the Pelicans wouldn’t be able to retain anyways duo to adding Turner, and it clears up the log jam at shooting guard.

If the New Orleans Pelicans can make this deal or something similar to it happen then I assess that they should pull the trigger on Myles Turner. Adding Turner’s abilities to this team will open driving lanes for stars Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson while giving them needed rim protection. A starting five on Lonzo Ball, Jrue Holiday, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Myles Turner well that is something to imagine!