NBA Insider Calls Myles Turner a 'Clear Fit' for Lakers, Warriors if He Leaves Pacers

Looking ahead to the NBA's free agents this summer, Myles Turner could end up being the most sought-after player since he seems to be the best one who might change teams.

ESPN's Kevin Pelton cited Turner as a "clear fit" for either the Los Angeles Lakers or Golden State Warriors if he leaves the Indiana Pacers.

This isn't exactly shaping up to be a robust free-agent market, especially considering the very top-level players like LeBron James, James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Julius Randle seem unlikely to leave their current teams.

Unlike that group, all of whom have player options, Turner is a straight-up free agent. He has been an extremely valuable starter for the Pacers throughout his career, but especially in these past two seasons as they have reached the Eastern Conference Finals.

Of course, the Pacers' finances are always something that gets carefully monitored by governor Herb Simon. They haven't paid into the luxury tax since 2005 and are currently $20 million under the tax threshold without Turner on their books next season.

This two-year run of success might alter some of the Pacers' philosophy, particularly since they would like to retain Turner. ESPN's Brian Windhorst noted Indiana's ownership group has indicated a willingness to pay into the tax to keep its core together.

In January, The Athletic's Jovan Buha reported Turner will be seeking a deal starting around $30 million annually. For perspective, his current two-year contract paid him a total of $40.9 million.

Pelton noted it would require a sign-and-trade for either of them to acquire Turner, but such a deal would be "complicated" for many reasons. Neither one of them can offer the Pacers an obvious replacement to fill Turner's role.

The Lakers have been linked to Turner in trade rumors for years, and their need for a starting big man this summer makes it logical they would be talked about as a landing spot for him.

Golden State is another team desperate for a starting-caliber big after head coach Steve Kerr was essentially forced to play a small lineup for the final three months of the season because Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis were the only centers on the roster.

Turner averaged 15.6 points on 48.1 percent shooting (39.6 percent from three), 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game in 72 starts during the 2024-25 regular season.