If Miles Turner explores free agency, the Indiana Pacers can try and pry the franchise center to two Eastern Conference rivals.
The Indiana Pacers are focused on winning the NBA Finals, but as soon as the series ends they will have to work on both free agency and the NBA draft.
Miles Turner is the only major free agent the Pacers have, and he spent all 10 NBA seasons in Indiana. He leads the franchise on the block, and is the longest decorated player on the roster, and this summer he will become one of the most coveted free agents.
Teams like the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers are expected to run at Turner, but his stay in Indiana seems like the most likely outcome, but the two Eastern Conference teams have also expressed interest in him.
The Atlanta Hawks have a very clear direction despite missing out on the playoffs. Trae Young and Dyson Daniels are both present and future backcoats. Before the season was over with an injury, Jalen Johnson was one of the league’s best young players, with Zaccharie Risacher showing off his flash as an excellent floor spacer.
Onyeka Okongwu is an underrated center, but Turner is a genuine star who can shoot and protect the edges, filling in some blanks for the Hawks.
With Zaccharie Risacher taking his second year leap and adding more depth, Turner’s presence could help stabilize and promote the Hawks team, who are trying to reestablish himself as a playoff contender.”
“Atlanta is also closely monitoring Turner’s situation.”
Clint Capella is also a free agent, with Turner becoming a clear upgrade on both ends of the floor. He could play a similar role with the Hawks like the Pacers, but Atlanta might have to offer him more money as a worse team.
The Detroit Pistons aren’t as good as the Pacers, like the Hawks, but are expected to open the title window next season.
Cade Cunningham broke out as a superstar, and Young Wings Ron Holland, Jaden Evie and Aussal Thompson helped build The The The The The The The The The Defence. Turner is an upgrade to Jalen Duren and provides the necessary shooting, especially if the piston is unable to re-sign Malik Beasley.
“For Detroit, the opportunity to combine Turner with Rising Star Cade Cunningham is fascinating,” Ahsses continued. “The Pistons were ranked 14th in offensive ratings and 10th in defensive ratings last season, and adding a complementary piece like Turner will help accelerate your climb at the Eastern Conference.”
Of course, both the Hawks and the Piston must provide more in a payroll way than the Pacers.
For both teams, Turner plays a similar role to the team he currently occupies, but he has to root out life in Indiana and give Pacers a clear advantage over his rivals.
The Pacers will likely try to reinforce the frontcourt by picking 23rd and 54th in the 2025 draft.