Myles Turner Says Paul George Has to Do What's Best for Him Amid Trade Rumors

Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner said he does not take teammate Paul George's desire to move on from the team—either next summer in free agency or via trade—personally.

"PG has to do what's best for him and his family," Turner told HoopsHype's Alex Kennedy (h/t NBA.com). "He's from L.A., so I feel like he's always wanted to play with them. I think it was a childhood dream of his and you can't take that personally. He's been here in Indy for eight or nine years and done a great job here.

"If he wants to move on to other endeavors, you have to let him do what he wants to do. I don't take it personally at all. He's done great things here, and I wish him all the best and good luck going forward."

Turner and George have been teammates each of the last two seasons. The big man said the Pacers need to "start rebuilding and look at what we can do for our future" in the aftermath of George's trade request.

Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard admitted George's representation informed him the All-Star plans on opting out of his contract next summer and will not re-sign with the franchise.

"It couldn't have come at a worse time," Pritchard told reporters Thursday. "If we would have known this a few months ago, I think we could have been more prepared. Becoming public was a big issue. We want our players to want to be here; that's important. It really is. When Paul said he didn't, that's a gut punch."

Turner, 21, would become the Pacers' biggest incumbent star if George is traded this offseason. The Texas product averaged 14.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game in 2016-17. He told Kennedy he's ready for a face-of-the-franchise role going forward.

"Without a doubt. I've had two years of experience and I know that's not a whole lot, but with [what I've done] in that little sample size, I feel like I'm ready to take on more," Turner said. "I want to become a leader—why not start early? I'm really looking forward to our future. I feel like with the right pieces, we can go young and build for the future. And I'm ready to lead this young movement."

The Pacers added forward T.J. Leaf, center Ike Anigbogu and guard Edmond Sumner to their roster in Thursday's draft. While none of those players are seen as surefire co-stars for Turner, the Pacers will likely add a number of young pieces through draft picks in whatever haul they get for George.