Boston Celtics Rumors: 3 Pacers players that could be trade targets

Boston Celtics trade target No. 3: Myles Turner

It feels like Myles Turner has been linked to Boston for years now, and he very nearly ended up on the Celtics thanks to a potential sign-and-trade involving Gordon Hayward. Hayward ended up signing with the Charlotte Hornets instead, so Turner remained in the Indiana for the time being. Turner was rumored to be a target again for Boston at the trade deadline last season, but nothing ever came to fruition.

Once again, Turner has been talked about as a potential trade target for the Celtics to help them shore up their big man rotation. In all honesty, the need for a player like Turner has decreased with the emergence of Rob Williams, who continues to look like a key piece of Boston’s core. But Williams has struggled to stay on the court at times, and you can never have too much help at the center position.

Turner has continued his steady as ever play at center for the Pacers, averaging 12.8 points per game, a career high 7.4 rebounds per game, and a league leading 2.9 blocks per game. Offensively, Turner is having one of his better seasons so far (he’s shooting 52 percent from the field and 37 percent from behind the arc), and he offers a much more diverse shot diet than a guy like Williams. Defensively, Turner remains one of the best interior defenders in the game.

Having both Williams and Turner on the court at the same could create a bit of an issue for the Celtics, but they would almost never be used together. Pairing them up with a guy like Grant Williams or Al Horford, guys who can defend on the perimeter, would probably be the best course of action (assuming they wouldn’t be part of the trade). Adding Turner would help shore up Boston’s interior presence on both sides of the ball, which would be a huge relief moving forward.

Horford’s contract probably lines up best with a potential move for Turner, although both sides would have to do a bit of work to help match salaries. If the Celtics tack on an extra draft pick or two, they could probably create a solid package for the talented Pacers big man. Turner would be a fantastic addition for the Boston Celtics, and while he may not fill the biggest hole on the team, he would certainly make the team better.