Pacers Make Trade, Acquire Myles Turner Replacement From West Team

Mar 20, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) slaps hands with Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle as he goes to the bench during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images | Nell Redmond-Imagn Images

The Indiana Pacers are trading for center Jay Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies, sending out a second-round pick and a second-round pick swap.

The Pacers were left needing a center after starter Myles Turner left in free agency.

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Turner made the move to sign a four-year deal worth more than $100 million with the Milwaukee Bucks. The deal came out of nowhere since many expected him to re-sign with the team.

He ended up playing a crucial role in the Pacers' NBA Finals run, spacing the floor with consistent shooting and attacking mismatches better than he ever had.

The Memphis Grizzlies are trading center Jay Huff to the Indiana Pacers for one second-round pick and one second-round pick swap, sources tell ESPN.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 5, 2025

In Turner's absence, Indiana needed to make a move for a big man and the front office decided to get Huff from the Grizzlies. The team gave up a small price for solid center who does fit with the roster construction.

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Huff played in 64 games last season, averaging 11 minutes per game, along with 6.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks.

The 26-year-old offers rim protection and shooting — two qualities which Turner also provided. Huff shot 40.5% from the 3-point line on 3.1 attempts per game.

On the roster, the Pacers have Tony Bradley and Isaiah Jackson as the team's centers. Thomas Bryant is a free agent, though he could still return as the team's fourth center.

Jackson can play as the power forward spot as well which gives the team some versatility.

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Huff could end up as Indiana's starting center because of his fit in the team's system. He can hit shots and give the team space to penetrate the paint.

Huff won't be a difference-maker for the team this upcoming season, but he could feature prominently in the Pacers' next playoff run when Tyrese Haliburton is back on the court.

At the very least, he's a solid stop-gap center option for a team in desperate need of a big.

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For more news and notes on the Indiana Pacers, visit Indiana Pacers on SI.