3 teams that could act on Deandre Ayton’s offer sheet for Myles Turner

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The Suns decided to keep DeAndre Ayton, ruining the Pacers’ plans. If that ruffles Myles Turner’s feathers, Indiana may have to make a deal.

In a surprisingly fast-moving process that saw Kevin Durant/Kyrie Irving/Donovan Mitchell’s NBA frozen over trade scares, the DeAndre Ayton free agency saga ended with the Appropriate Phoenix suns the Indiana Pacers’ $133 million four-year bid sheet on Thursday. The Pacers made roster moves to unlock the maximum contract slot and appeared to call on the bluff of the Suns, who had feuded with Ayton last year.

Phoenix opted to keep his disgruntled 23-year-old center, who was a restricted free agent, and now the Pacers must look for a plan B. Maybe it’s just that they’re re-folding and re-signing their own potentially unfortunate tall Myles Turner. Turner is entering the final year of his four-year, $70 million extension he signed in 2018, and the Pacers appear poised to take a different tack. In the absence of a trading partner, however, Indiana could be stuck with an awkward conversation and a possible departing free agent center.

Where could the Pacers look if they have to trade Myles Turner?

It doesn’t have to be that way though – the Pacers should be able to find a suitable spot for Turner should they choose to go with that option. Three teams in particular can provide Indiana with a player who isn’t necessarily as good and/or young as Ayton, but is comparable in terms of what he brings to the table in addition to young players or other assets.