The Golden State Warriors may have identified the perfect big man for their system; the problem is, he plays for the Indiana Pacers.
Could Golden State make a trade for Pacers veteran rim protector Myles Turner? Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar outlined a deal on Wednesday that says they could, but the Warriors would have to give up Jonathan Kuminga, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and a 2027 first-round pick to get the Pacers interested.
“Turner is one of the best shot-blockers in the league … and his ability to stretch the floor (42.0% 3-point shooting this season) makes him an ideal fit for Golden State's offense,” Bitar said.
“His rim protection would allow Draymond Green to focus on playmaking and defensive versatility, while his ability to shoot from deep would keep the Warriors' spacing intact, enabling Stephen Curry to thrive offensively.”
“Trading for Turner would also address Golden State's rebounding woes.”
“The Pacers could be intrigued by this deal because it offers them a chance to pivot toward a younger, more versatile core. Jonathan Kuminga, a former lottery pick, has shown flashes of star potential with his athleticism and defensive upside.”
Turner, who will also be sought after by the Los Angeles Lakers, is in the final year of a two-year, $40.9 million veteran extension. He led the NBA in blocked shots in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
The Warriors want to make sure they get maximum value in return for any trade involving Kuminga, and Turner might be one of the few available players on the market that would provide that value for Golden State.
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