Pacers’ Myles Turner Still Has ‘PTSD’ From Being In Trade Rumors

During an interview with NBA reporter Sam Yip of HoopsHype, Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner said he still has “PTSD” from being in trade rumors. 

This season was the first time in a while that Turner’s name didn’t come up in NBA trade rumors.

Indiana’s front office acquired Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors and Doug McDermott from the San Antonio Spurs. 

“Honestly, I still got PTSD from that, so I really didn’t even feel super secure at that,” Turner said. “I was kinda expecting at least a rumor or something here and there, but I’m just very fortunate to be in the same position. A little bit… I guess you can say that. I think it was just more of that we had a more clear-cut idea of the direction we were going with so it made it easier for me.”

Turner signed a two-year, $58 million extension with the Pacers last January. He’s the longest-tenured player on the team. 

“Honestly, it’s all been a blur,” Turner said. “Like for real. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend my entire career here in Indianapolis, and when I see young guys coming in, I just don’t see them lasting more than two or three years. They come in with a lot of hype and whatnot, but then it just dies down.”

Turner is averaging 17.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.6 steals and 1.8 blocks this season while shooting 52.4% from the field, 33.6% from beyond the arc and 78.3% from the free-throw line. He has 10 double-doubles.

The Pacers are 31-25 on the season. They are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. 

“Honestly bro, our timeline has sped up a little bit,” Turner said. “Obviously, we have made some additions this year. Obviously with Siakam and we got Doug in the fold right now. Tyrese [Haliburton] has taken the next step himself. I’ve taken a step in the leadership role. Our offense is at a historic pace right now, so a lot of things are working in our favor. We’re just continuing to stay the course.”