For the Los Angeles Lakers, Myles Turner is like that one person you always thought you'd get together with eventually, but it just never worked out. At this point, it would be fair to say that it probably never will.
Turner continues to be a key cog in the machine of the Indiana Pacers. Tyrese Haliburton will get the majority of the credit for the Pacers taking a stunning 2-0 lead on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
However, Turner's role in their success should not be forgotten. It will also serve as a reminder as to why Indiana will not be quick to let the two-way center go anywhere in the upcoming 2025 offseason.
Turner's future is in Indiana (and that's okay)
Turner has survived his fair share of Lakers trade rumors over the years. The repetitive cycle of the Pacers center coming up as a trade target for Los Angeles leading up to the NBA trade deadline has been a cycle of events that was almost as reliable as death and taxes.
Despite that, the year is 2025 and Turner remains in Indiana. After 10 years with the Pacers, that relationship will finally be put to the test in the summer of 2025.
Turner is set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason upon the expiration of his current deal. Even so, there should be very little reason to believe that the two-time blocks champion will be wearing any other jersey other than a Pacers one in the 2025-26 season.
The quality stretch big has long proven key to the success of the Pacers. Even in Game 2, Turner was tied for the team lead with 23 points in the contest. The strong rim protector added eight rebounds and a whopping five blocks to that performance.
No one expects the Pacers to simply hand Turner a blank check and ask him how to write down a number. However, the safe presumption would be a wholehearted effort to keep the big man around.
Turner's skill set is perfect for the modern day NBA. His defensive tools and offensive versaility make him an easy plug and play on any team. That is a big reason why the Pacers center constantly surfaces in trade rumors for the Lakers.
However, given the chemistry with Haliburton, and a truck load of other factors, Indiana should certainly have a spot for him next season after a brand-new deal is agreed upon.
The Lakers may find this disappointing, but ultimately, not heartbreaking. There is an abundance of center targets available to them ranging from underrated, to practical, and even to potentially odd. Rob Pelinka should not be short on options, even without Turner.
