Lakers, Warriors, or Pacers? Myles Turner's Free Agency Landing Spots Revealed
The Indiana Pacers advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games and will take on either the New York Knicks or the Boston Celtics.
However, they have a busy offseason ahead of them. They own their own first-round pick, and starting center Myles Turner will be an unrestricted free agent.
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Turner has long been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Golden State Warriors have a very clear need in the frontcourt. On league insider recently revealed where Turner is leaning with his decision.
Myles Turner free agency choice.Tony Fisher
Turner averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and two blocks this season. He shot a solid 48.1 percent from the floor and 39.6 percent from deep, serving as one of the best floor-spacers in the league.
While the Lakers and Warriors can offer bigger markets and superstars for him to play next to, Turner has only ever played for the Pacers. On top of that, Indiana did not get eliminated in the earlier rounds like the Lakers and Warriors did, making his choice easy.
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"The rising expectation, league sources say, is that Turner will be extending his stay in the Hoosier State," NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote.
Indiana can offer just as much money, if not more, than LA or Golden State, and allow him to be the third-best player on the team, barring a breakout from Bennedict Mathurin or Andrew Nesmith, which would be welcome.
Indiana seems ready to march to their first Finals appearance since 2000 this season, and will be able to run things back next year with a similar roster. With the Cavs reeling from an early elimination and the Boston Celtics dealing with injuries and difficult financials, the usually weak Eastern Conference will be the Pacers' for the taking next season, provided they retain Turner.
Check out the All Pacers homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.
Related: Indiana Pacers Know They're In Uncharted Waters, But They Don't Care
Related: Indiana Pacers Offseason Prediction Has One Major Flaw
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