Boston Celtics: 3 long-term pieces to pursue with TPE

Boston Celtics long-term TPE option #3: Myles Turner

Here we are, back at Hardwood Houdini’s favorite trade target. Until he is dealt elsewhere or is finally wearing green and white, Myles Turner will be linked to the Boston Celtics. It’s as inevitable as death and taxes.

What makes Turner such a tantalizing target is that he fits the 3-and-D mold of player that the Cs should be surrounding their superstar duo with. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum can use a big body that can cover up defensive lapses on the perimeter while also giving the team second looks on nights where the “Jays” aren’t hitting their “J’s”.

Turner’s 3-point shot isn’t falling in 2020-21, and although he isn’t playing for a new contract anytime soon, players typically don’t want to waste their prime years. Turner was selected in the draft lottery with hopes of being the team’s long-term answer at the center spot.

He has been that in Indiana, but the team hasn’t been able to parlay that into any team success. Since the team took LeBron James’ least talented Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Finals team to seven games in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Pacers have not won a playoff game in two consecutive seasons of being swept out of the second season.

In Boston, his own expectations raise just as the team’s ceiling does. Here’s hoping Danny Ainge hasn’t burnt the bridge with Indiana after the failed Gordon Hayward talks of last November.