Raptors rumors: Toronto still showing interest in Myles Turner

For the last few seasons, every team in need of rim protection, the Toronto Raptors included, have tried to get the Indiana Pacers to give up on Myles Turnehasith the Pacers projected to be in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes at the beginning of the season, Turner appeared to be as good as gone.

Things changed when the Pacers showed that this funky young bunch is good enough to contend for a play-in spot. Indiana looks more willing to commit to Turner in the future, further complicating any sort of trade talks that a height-needy Raptors team wants to engage in.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Pacers are currently discussing an extension with Turner that could pay him up to $19 million in extra salary. In addition, Shams’ reporting uncovered the fact that Masai Ujiri is continuing to knock on Indiana’s door.

Charania reported that the Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers have shown interest in Turner over the last few months. While Indiana might be less inclined to sell after starting the season in such a dominant fashion, Toronto is not giving up on pursuing the Pacers big man.

Toronto Raptors rumors: Masai Ujiri asked about Myles Turner.

Turner is averaging a career-best 16.7 points per game and 7.8 rebounds per game while continuing to challenge for the league lead in blocks. Without Kings star Domantas Sabonis in the paint to take away offensive opportunities, his true offensive potential has been unlocked.

Turner is likely going to require multiple first-round picks to acquire on top of the fact he’s going to get a huge contract that will likely approach the nine-figure mark. That is a big commitmentprobably Toronto team that also needs to give Pascal Siakam an ungodly amount of money in the near future.

Having said that, there are very few starting centers in the league that would fit in better with Toronto from a schematic point of view. A supremely athletic big man who can protect the rim, run the floor, and shoot, Toronto needs a player with Turner’s exact skillset in either the draft or via a trade.

The Turner trades might need to be put on hold for a bit, as he looks closer than ever to committing to Indiana long-term. However, the Raptors being mentioned as a team that is trying to pilfer Turner away from the Pacers shows that Ujiri is still working the phones to improve this team.