Myles Turner Trade Rumors: Celtics, Hornets Linked to Pacers Center

Victor Oladipo may not be the only member of the Indiana Pacers on the trading block. According to J. Michael of the Indianapolis Star, center Myles Turner has received interest from the Charlotte Hornets and Boston Celtics:

Turner, 24, is under contract until 2023 and set to earn $18 million each of the next three seasons. The No. 11 overall pick in the 2015 draft averaged 12.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 34.4 percent shooting from three-point range in 2019-20.  

The Pacers and Celtics have been linked in trade talks since before last season concluded. 

On October 22, SNY's Ian Begley reported Indiana had interest in acquiring Gordon Hayward from Boston and Michael expressed a similar sentiment back in June to the NBC Sports Podcast.  

While it would likely take a larger package to entice the Pacers, Indiana could financially swap Oladipo and Turner's contracts for Hayward's, bringing the Indiana-native and former Butler star back to his hometown. 

Begley previously noted the Pacers received trade interest for Turner during last year's NBA draft and that has seemed to increase over the season. The 6'1", 250-pounder is a strong rim-protector who can stretch the floor on offense. That makes him a valuable asset for any contender.

As for the Hornets—owners of the No. 3, No. 32 and No. 56 picks in this month's NBA draft—the need for a starting forward remains apparent. 

NBA reporter Keith Smith tweeted Charlotte has let teams know it's willing to take on "bad contracts" in exchange for more draft picks or young talent. That could allow the Pacers to make the type of move that both frees up cap space and returns some veteran depth.

As Indiana prepares for head coach Nate Bjorkgren to begin his first season, either option provides plenty to consider.