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The Indiana Pacers have had a busy offseason so far. They grabbed some nice assets in the 2022 NBA Draft, most notably sixth overall pick Bennedict Mathurin. Their backcourt is looking very promising with Tyrese Haliburton leading the way, but there are still numerous rumors linking them to Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton, who is a restricted free agent.
On Monday, ESPN guru Brian Windhorst reported that the Pacers are nearing a sign-and-trade for Ayton, which essentially means he'd replace Myles Turner at the five. Turner has found his name in trade talks for months now and to be honest, acquiring a young, athletic big in Ayton could be the right move for this organization as they head into a full youth movement.
Here are 3 reasons the Pacers should acquire Deandre Ayton in NBA Free Agency as an upgrade for Myles Turner.
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3 reasons Pacers should acquire Deandre Ayton as Myles Turner upgrade
3. He's younger and more versatile
Turner isn't old by any means. He's just 26. But, Ayton is 23 and a lot more athletic and versatile, especially offensively. Turner is essentially a rim-runner who does most of his damage around the cup. Ayton on the other hand has a great mid-range game and even offers a little bit of promise as a facilitator. Ayton also fits right into the mold for the Pacers, who are evidently going as young as possible. He shoots the ball substantially better than Turner and would bring playoff experience to Indiana, something they currently don't have.
2. Ayton is just better
The numbers speak for themselves. The most points Turner has ever averaged in a single campaign is 14.5 and that was way back in 2016-17, his second season in the league. Ayton? He put up 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per night in 2021-22. Turner has never collected more than 7.3 boards in a season. Ayton is regularly in double-digits when it comes to doing damage to the glass. He would instantly make the Pacers better in the rebounding department, an area where they've struggled.
Although Ayton isn't the same type of shot-blocker as Turner, he is a much better lob threat. The former Arizona standout was a regular target for both Chris Paul and Devin Booker for alley-oops and with another high-level playmaker like Haliburton running the point, they'd form a lethal guard-big duo that could wreak havoc.
1. Turner can't stay healthy
Ayton has dealt with injury problems as well. But Turner is barely ever healthy, especially across the last two seasons where he's played a total of 89 games. Yes, Domantas Sabonis was on the roster before and essentially slotted in at the five, but he's now gone and it's clear that Turner isn't the answer anymore. A guy who struggles to stay on the floor isn't worth keeping for a Pacers team that is looking to turn the tables and let their young core lead them into the future.
Plus, Ayton will come in with a tremendous attitude. He's clearly undervalued by the Suns, who have refused to give him a max deal. Since Ayton is an RFA, they can match any offer, which is why a sign-and-trade works here. It would see Turner head back to Phoenix and get a fresh start of his own. For both sides, this blockbuster honestly just makes too much sense.
The Pacers and Suns need to get it done ASAP.
