After 10 seasons with the Indiana Pacers, Myles Turner left the franchise this offseason in free agency to join the Milwaukee Bucks. Turner signed a four-year, $107 million contract, leaving the Pacers with a hole at center.
While Indiana’s front office trusts Isaiah Jackson by giving him an extension, they also traded for Jay Huff this past summer. Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report has a better solution, with a trade idea that would send Jarrett Allen to the Pacers.
Pacers receive: Jarrett Allen
Cavaliers receive: Obi Toppin, Ben Sheppard and a top-five protected 2029 first-round pick
Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix reported on October 7 that multiple teams are eyeing Allen. The Cleveland Cavaliers do not need to make a trade, but some people within the league would like to see Evan Mobley play at center. That can’t happen if Allen remains in Cleveland.
Why Would The Pacers Do It?
Andy Bailey argued that Jarrett Allen has the same defensive skills as Myles Turner, who led the NBA in blocks in 2019 and 2021. Allen is also a better rebounder than Turner, averaging 9.2 rebounds in his career. He’s even a more ideal center alongside Tyrese Haliburton because he’s a rim runner.
“For Indiana, giving up a first-rounder ahead of a year in which Tyrese Haliburton won’t be available may feel a tad hasty, but Allen is under contract through 2028-29 and would make for more than a replacement for Myles Turner. Allen doesn’t space the floor like the former Pacer, but he’s a better rim runner and more mobile defender,” Bailey wrote.
Entering the 2025-26 NBA season, the Pacers have four centers on the roster. Isaiah Jackson is coming off a torn Achilles, so he’ll likely be on a minutes restriction to start the campaign. Jay Huff started some games and flourished for the Memphis Grizzlies last season, while James Wiseman and Tony Bradley are backup centers at this point in their careers.
Wiseman is also coming off a torn Achilles injury, with Bradley performing well in the team’s run to the NBA Finals. ESPN’s Eric Moody believes the starting center battle will be between Jackson and Huff.
Why Would The Cavaliers Do It?
The Jarrett Allen-Evan Mobley pairing has been successful for the Cleveland Cavaliers, though it hasn’t translated in the postseason. Mobley is coming off winning the Defensive Player of the Year, so his defense can work as a power forward and center.
Andy Bailey explained that playing Mobley at center could further open the Cavs’ offense, unlike when he’s at the four and Allen is in the middle.
“This is one that would bring a bit better balance to the roster and commit to Evan Mobley as the long-term answer at the 5. With him there, Cleveland could deploy more shooting in a lineup that already includes Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. It could also be a bit more switchable on defense with players like De’Andre Hunter and Obi Toppin playing the 4 and Ben Sheppard playing on the wing,” Bailey wrote.
The Cavs retooled their roster by acquiring Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls this offseason, replacing Ty Jerome, who signed with the Memphis Grizzlies. They also brought back Sam Merrill and added Larry Nance Jr.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post NBA Trade Idea Gives Pacers Ideal Myles Turner Replacement appeared first on Heavy Sports.