Pacers’ Myles Turner Still Has ‘PTSD’ From Being In Trade Rumors

This season was the first time in a while that Turner’s name didn’t come up in NBA trade rumors.

Indiana’s front office acquired Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors and Doug McDermott from the San Antonio Spurs. 

“Honestly, I still got PTSD from that, so I really didn’t even feel super secure at that,” Turner said. “I was kinda expecting at least a rumor or something here and there, but I’m just very fortunate to be in the same position. A little bit… I guess you can say that. I think it was just more of that we had a more clear-cut idea of the direction we were going with so it made it easier for me.”

Turner signed a two-year, $58 million extension with the Pacers last January. He’s the longest-tenured player on the team. 

“Honestly, it’s all been a blur,” Turner said. “Like for real. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend my entire career here in Indianapolis, and when I see young guys coming in, I just don’t see them lasting more than two or three years. They come in with a lot of hype and whatnot, but then it just dies down.”

Turner is averaging 17.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.6 steals and 1.8 blocks this season while shooting 52.4% from the field, 33.6% from beyond the arc and 78.3% from the free-throw line. He has 10 double-doubles.

The Pacers are 31-25 on the season. They are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. 

“Honestly bro, our timeline has sped up a little bit,” Turner said. “Obviously, we have made some additions this year. Obviously with Siakam and we got Doug in the fold right now. Tyrese [Haliburton] has taken the next step himself. I’ve taken a step in the leadership role. Our offense is at a historic pace right now, so a lot of things are working in our favor. We’re just continuing to stay the course.”