Report: Pacers Nearing Decision On Turner

Usually, a player having an unexpectedly good season would be cause for celebration within their organization. For the Indiana Pacers though, it seems to be causing a potential front office headache. As the February 9th trade deadline approaches, the team has still failed to reach a contract extension agreement with its star center, Myles Turner. As reported by Matt Moore of Action Network, if the team fails to reach an agreement on a contract extension with the player soon, the expectation within the organization is that Turner will be shipped off before the trade deadline.
Before this year, Turner was seen as an excellent defensive role player, a solid second or third option on some competitive Pacers squads. Without fellow star big Domantas Sabonis clogging up the interior, though, Turner has blossomed into more than just a block-and-board machine. More on-ball reps have led to a rise in points and assists, but the truly impressive aspect is that his efficiency has improved as well, with higher rates in his three-point, free throw, and overall field goal shooting.

Turner’s ascendance has certainly given him greater incentive to seek money in the free agent market, even if that means finding a new team as early as this February. While the Pacers have surprised the league with their play this year, sitting at 21-18 and 7th in the Eastern Conference, they are undeniably a rebuilding team, having traded their top player, Sabonis, and handing the reins to youngster Tyrese Haliburton. Turner might be able to find a team with better chances of competing and a willingness to give him a bigger share of the spotlight, a rare combination. 

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