NBA Rumors: Lakers' Rival Emerges As New Suitor For Myles Turner

While the Los Angeles Lakers continue to drag their feet on the long-discussed trade with the Indiana Pacers for center Myles Turner and Buddy Hield, it appears that their chief rival from across the hall may swoop in and steal the floor-spacing big man from them. 

The Clippers have discussed the possibility of trading for Myles Turner, per B/R’s @EricPincus pic.twitter.com/Ol11Yc60Un

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 15, 2022

The Los Angeles Clippers are in need of another center, and Turner continues to play at an extremely high level this season, in his contract year. He'll be in line for a big money deal, but that's not a problem for Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, as noted by Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report.

The Clippers are believed to be shopping some of their excess wing depth and are less likely to move a ball-handling guard like Reggie Jackson or John Wall. Team governor Steve Ballmer has shown a willingness to pay luxury taxes—the need to pay Turner after the season wouldn't be a deterrent for L.A.

Since Isaiah Hartenstein left as a free agent this summer for the New York Knicks, the Clippers haven't yet found a viable center to back up Ivica Zubac.

Turner is averaging career-highs in points (17.9) and rebounds (8.7) for the Pacers this season, along with premium shooting from the outside for a big man, at 37% from beyond the arc.

It could be that Turner ends up Crypto.com arena, one way or the other.

Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports