Mavs Trade Idea: Can Dallas Finally Land Pacers’ Myles Turner?

Having yet to address their need for a center upgrade, it's time for the Mavericks to target Pacers' Myles Turner as their defensive anchor.

Through the opening weekend of NBA free agency, the Dallas Mavericks have yet to fully address their biggest self-proclaimed needs, which include upgrading their defense and rebounding. 

With most of the starting-caliber players off the board in free agency, it's time for the Mavs' front office to hit the phones in effort to make a trade to upgrade their center position, which should include targeting Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner.

Following Atlanta trading forward John Collins, Turner now holds the top spot in the league for the player whose name is continuously involved in trade rumors yet has never been dealt.  

But with Dallas desperate to find a legitimate starting center to anchor their defense, it might just be time for Turner come on home to Dallas in this potential three-team deal. 

Proposed trade: Mavericks receive Myles Turner. Pacers receive Maxi Kleber and an unprotected 2027 first-round pick (from DAL). Spurs receive T.J. McConnell, JaVale McGee, 2024 second-round pick (from IND via MIL) and 2030 second-round pick (from DAL).

With this trade, the Mavs would finally land their starting center in Turner. He would be an immediate upgrade for Dallas' rebounding and rim-protection woes. On offense, Turner would be an expert in setting screens for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, whether he rolls to the basket or pops to the perimeter for three. 

Though Indiana loses Turner, they gain a veteran 3-and-D big in Kleber, who was a favorite of Rick Carlisle's during his stint in Dallas. Kleber isn't on the same level as Turner, but he can do some similar things at a tier below when it comes to blocking shots and hitting open 3s. The kicker here for the Pacers is landing the 2027 first-round pick from the Mavs. In four years, there's no telling what Dallas' team could look like, and Doncic could become an unrestricted free agent as soon as 2026.

As the third team, San Antonio would take on two veteran contracts into their cap space along with two future second-round picks. McConnell feels like a guy that Gregg Popovich would be a fan of, and the veteran guard could join the rotation behind Tre Jones in the backcourt. McGee, who Dallas has attempted to trade since last season's deadline, could play a small reserve role for the Spurs while serving as a leader in the locker room with championship experience.

For the cost of Kleber and a future first-rounder, Turner fits the bill and would immediately help transform the Mavericks from a middling potential playoff team to a potential contender out West.

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