The Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks have emerged as potential suitors for veteran center Myles Turner as the Indiana Pacers consider the long-term direction of their roster. Grant Afseth reports that both franchises are keeping a close eye on Turner’s availability, seeing him as crucial to solidifying their frontcourt rotations and boosting their respective rebuilds.
Detroit Pistons See Turner as Ideal Fit Next to Cade Cunningham
The Detroit Pistons have a compelling opportunity to pair Myles Turner with Cade Cunningham. If Turner’s elite shot-blocking and floor-spacing abilities were utilized, the Pistons could become a two-way threat in the paint. Turner has the potential to form a strong defensive partnership with Ausar Thompson, one of the league’s most promising young defenders.
Last season, Detroit ranked 14th in offensive rating and 10th in defensive rating, a respectable position for a team still navigating the early stages of a rebuild. Turner’s inclusion would enhance rim protection and create more offensive space, allowing Cunningham to operate better in half-court situations. That floor balance could accelerate Detroit’s progress in the Eastern Conference standings.
Atlanta Hawks Monitoring Turner to Reinforce Rim Protection
The Atlanta Hawks are also a potential destination for Turner. According to reports, Atlanta’s front office is curious about how the Pacers’ center could complement Dyson Daniels in the backcourt. Daniels could take more defensive risks at the point of attack with Turner’s shot-blocking prowess, knowing that there is a trustworthy rim protector behind him.
Last season, the Hawks struggled and finished in the league’s bottom half regarding offensive and defensive efficiency. Jalen Johnson’s injury return and Zaccharie Risacher’s potential breakout in his second season make Turner the frontcourt anchor needed to restore balance on both ends of the floor. His presence would also assist in improving the spacing for a team still trying to define its offensive identity after the Trae Young era.
Myles Turner’s Market Value and Fit
Turner has consistently maintained his position as one of the NBA’s top rim protectors and floor-spacing bigs. Any team looking to compete or climb the standings can benefit from his ability to shoot from deep while deterring shots at the rim. The Pacers have valued him for a long time, but with a youth movement and other frontcourt options evolving, a trade could be advantageous for both parties.
Final Thoughts
Myles Turner is a real trade target aligned with each team’s competitive timeline, as Detroit and Atlanta are looking to strengthen their rosters. Turner can make a difference in the off-season plans of either the Pistons or the Hawks, whether they aim to accelerate their East rise or stabilize a once-promising core. Grant Afseth’s reporting will still be necessary for tracking Turner’s future and the evolving outlooks for two rebuilding Eastern Conference squads as trade talks heat up.
