Hardwood Houdini
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Boston Celtics: Evaluating 3 potential pieces in a Myles Turner trade

By Chris Conte

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 19: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers reacts against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at American Airlines Arena on March 19, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 19: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers reacts against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at American Airlines Arena on March 19, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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The inevitable has arrived at the Indiana Pacers’ doorstep: A rebuild. For years, the Pacers have passed up on opportunities to kick start their rebuild in favor of making the playoffs as a middle-of-the-pack team. They have no final appearances to show for the club in the last decade despite employing All-Star talents like Paul George, Victor Oladipo, and Domantas Sabonis. How does that happen, Boston Celtics fans?

Roster construction. On top of being a small market club, the Pacers have made poor decisions when it has come to surrounding their stars with complementary talent. Their stubbornness is well documented, and it’s what’s about to ignite a looming rebuild.

Today, Myles Turner came out with some strong words about the Indiana Pacers in an article by The Athletic. I won’t go in-depth about what he said, considering you didn’t need to hear him say it to know he was right, but I will dive into what it means for the Boston Celtics.

Myles Turner has been linked to the Cs for years now. However, every year, one of the two teams pulled out, almost always Indiana. They regarded him as one of their premier young players “a year away” from breaking out. That breakout never came, and Turner isn’t as young anymore. Now that the Pacers have accepted his fate, the reality of Turner wearing a Boston Celtics jersey has increased, but at what cost? To me, the Celts have three options.

Boston Celtics PF/C Al Horford

Al Horford has been nothing but exceptional for the Boston Celtics to start the season. Although his jump shot has been a bit underwhelming, his defense has been excellent, and his connective passing has been integral to Ime Udoka’s offense. After two disappointing prior seasons with the Thunder and Sixers, Horford has seemingly revitalized himself in a familiar uniform.

However, Horford is approaching 36 years old and is owed $26 million this season and $14 million to $27 million next season, depending on specific clauses in his contract. Comparatively, Turner is owed $18 million over each of the next two seasons. He’s also ten years younger. With the Boston Celtics eyeing Bradley Beal and some other marquee stars next summer, it may be in the club’s favor to swap their veteran out for a younger and cheaper player.

I don’t love or hate the idea. Turner is a more valuable asset than Horford due to his age, contract, and general ability, but he isn’t so much better than Horford that the Celtics take a significant leap with him. I don’t know how compatible he and Robert Williams will be, and I don’t know how much more the Pacers would want on top of Horford to get them to budge. After all, Brad Stevens won’t be the only one calling on Turner.