Report: Suns Potentially Working on Sign-and-Trade for Myles Turner
When it comes to rumored players coming back to the Phoenix Suns in a hypothetical deal for center Deandre Ayton, you'll find a mixed bag of talents.
Possibilities such as Detroit's Jerami Grant and Atlanta's Clint Capela are hot commodities, while Portland's Jusuf Nurkic may likely be ruled out after Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reported the Trail Blazers would be focusing their efforts elsewhere.
Portland Not Interested in Phoenix Suns' Deandre Ayton
"Portland does not appear to be a legitimate landing spot for restricted free agent Deandre Ayton, sources said. The Trail Blazers are expected to retain starting center Jusuf Nurkic, and they are prioritizing Toronto Raptors swingman OG Anunoby in any return for the No. 7 pick in next week's draft, sources said. But there has been increasing talk about Portland potentially targeting the seventh selection to Oklahoma City for No. 12 and a package that could include Lu Dort."
Fischer also expanded on the more realistic teams to keep an eye out for while slipping in word he received of a potential trade for Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner.
"Ayton's most realistic landing spots outside of Phoenix appear to be Atlanta, Detroit and Toronto, which all would present intriguing sign-and-trade opportunities for the Suns. League personnel have also whispered in recent days about a potential sign-and-trade of Ayton to Indiana for Myles Turner. Turner and Ayton share the same representation."
Myles Turner Background
Turner just turned 26-years-old and will be playing his eighth season in the NBA. He was Indiana's first-round selection in 2015.
He's been a hot name linked in trade rumors as he heads into his last year of his contract. He's due for a $18,000,000 cap hit.
Last season, he played in 42 games, averaging 12.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and one assist per contest. This past season, his player efficiency rating (PER) was 17.4, which ranked 39th out of all centers in the NBA.
For comparison, Ayton's PER was 21.99 (good enough for No. 13 in the rankings)
Turner is known as a valuable rim protector, averaging at least two blocks per night since the 2018-19 season. He's led the NBA twice in rejections.
Third Team Needed in Deandre Ayton Trade
Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro broke down how a third team is almost a necessity for a trade involving Ayton.
"You got about $30 million going out but they could only take back $19 million. But the team that trades for Deandre has to move out at least $24 million, and the Suns can't take back $24 million, they can only take back $19 million. So that way there has to be a third team involved, there has to be other players involved."
Will Turner actually be dealt? It feels as if he's been on the trade block for years, although this year may finally be the one where the Pacers wave goodbye. Teams such as the Knicks, Hornets and Raptors have been mentioned as potential suitors for Turner.
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