Myles Turner, the centre of the Indiana Pacers, has been mentioned in trade rumours for several years and this season was no exception.
The 26-year-old player was drawing serious interest from the Lakers, among other teams, but ended up signing an extension with the Placers.
Turner was in the last year of his contract before signing a two-year, $40 million extension. He says that he was open to the possibility of becoming a free agent this summer, but is happy that he stayed in Indiana.
Via Alex Kennedy of Basketball News:
“I’m glad that we got it done. I think it was a win-win for both sides. I think I have a good relationship with (Pacers owner) Herb Simon, and I think he has a big belief in what I’m capable of as well. I’m glad that we were able to come to terms on an agreement. Behind the scenes, for me personally, I was open to the idea of free agency, but I also wanted to at least give Indy a fair chance, and both sides came to an agreement.”
“I’m comfortable. I’m where I want to be. I’m growing with a young team that’s hungry. I think we’re just trying to get better and better every day, and that’s the main goal of this whole thing. I have a lot of belief in this city, a lot of belief in this program and a lot of belief in the guys in this locker room, so that was a big initial factor in me wanting to stay here.”
This season Turner is averaging 18.1 points and 7.9 rebounds in 30 minutes per game.
