Clippers Have Discussed Deal to Acquire Pacers’ Myles Turner

While everyone is talking about the Lakers in terms of trading for Pacers center Myles Turner, it may be LA’s other team that has a better shot.

And per Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Clippers have indeed discussed a deal to land Turner.

This really shouldn’t be a big surprise, as the Clippers have been seeking a center since losing Isaiah Hartenstein to the Knicks in free agency this past offseason. It’s hard to know what they would offer or how serious they are about Turner, though word is, Turner is indeed available for the right price.

Indiana is undoubtedly seeking young players and picks in exchange for the likes of Turner or shooting guard Buddy Hield, who has also repeatedly been linked to the Lakers.

“The Clippers are believed to be shopping some of their excess wing depth and are less likely to move a ball-handling guard like Reggie Jackson or John Wall,” Pincus wrote. “(Clippers owner) Steve Ballmer has shown a willingness to pay luxury taxes — the need to pay Turner after the season wouldn’t be a deterrent for L.A.”

Turner, 26, is 6-foot-11 and coming off an injury-plagued season. He actually suffered a sprained ankle prior to the season-opener while in the layup line before the game.

Since then, however, he has returned to his typically effective ways — averaging 17.9 points, 8.7 assists and 3.1 appearances in seven games (through Monday).

As an interesting aside, it’s not a big surprise that the Clippers may be willing to part with Wall. After missing all of last season and appearing in just 40 games over the previous three seasons, he does not look ready to help lift them closer to championship contention.

The Clippers have both their 2028 or ’29 first-round picks that can be traded to the Pacers as part of a package for Turner, Pincus noted. The rest are going to the Thunder as part of the 2019 trade for Paul George.