By Hemaja Burud
The Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers ended trade negotiations before training camp
in which Indiana would receive Myles Turner and Buddy Hield in exchange for Russell Westbrook and draught picks,
but the Pacers centre believes it's a deal that would be worth pursuing.
Turner responded to a query regarding the prospective trade while appearing as a guest on ESPN's
I am aware of the benefits I can provide to a team, including my ability to lead, block shots,
shoot 3-pointers, and just make plays on the court. "And I give it a very close inspection.
I am compensated for shooting, though, so that part is irrelevant. I was unable to respond because I am not paid to place these calls.
"The Lakers have been hesitant to upgrade the existing squad in the hopes of getting LeBron James
Anthony Davis back in the mix for a title by include both of their projected first-round picks in 2027 and 2029.
We all understand how significant draught picks are in this league,
and as a player entering the final year of his contract, Turner continued,
"You want to make sure you're receiving a return for your assets."
Turner, a centre in his ninth season with Indiana, has averaged 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds
and 2.3 blocks per game over the course of his career while shooting 34.9% from outside the arc.