The Golden State Warriors are exploring the possibility of signing Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner this offseason to provide a crucial upgrade at the center position, aiming to enhance support for Stephen Curry. After a hamstring injury curtailed Curry’s postseason, leaving the Warriors’ playoff hopes cut short, the team looks to build on a late-season surge that earned them a spot in the Play-In Tournament and a surprising upset over the Houston Rockets in the first round.

With Curry entering the later stages of his career, the Warriors see a need to address a persistent weakness in their lineup: the lack of a dominant center who can both defend effectively and space the floor. Turner, a 29-year-old unrestricted free agent, stands out as a candidate who fits that profile and may be available if Indiana opts not to match other offers.

Myles Turner’s Potential to Transform Warriors’ Interior Play

Golden State’s center position has lacked a transformative player during the Stephen Curry era. While Andrew Bogut, David West, and Zaza Pachulia provided solid contributions in the past, none combined strong defense with shooting range. Draymond Green, despite being undersized, has primarily filled this defensive role, often shouldering the load alone.

Turner offers the stretch center qualities the Warriors need: sturdy rim protection combined with the ability to hit three-pointers at a high rate. Currently, he averages about two blocks and 15.6 points per game, while shooting a career-best 39.6% from beyond the arc. This blend would help alleviate defensive pressure on Green and create more open driving lanes for Curry’s offense.

Bjorn Bergstrom of PFSN highlighted the importance of Turner joining the Warriors, stating,

“Warriors star Stephen Curry has never played with a high-level stretch big man. Turner could be the first to further open up looks for Curry as he continues into the twilight of his career,”

—Bjorn Bergstrom, NBA Analyst

Examining Turner’s Fit and Impact in Golden State

The Warriors struggled with rim protection last season, ranking in the lower half of the NBA in blocks. Turner’s presence would immediately improve that defensive metric and reinforce an already solid defense, which finished seventh in defensive rating. His playoff performances underscore his readiness to contribute when it matters most. In 14 postseason games this year, Turner averaged 16.2 points, 2.4 blocks per game, shooting over 51% from the field and nearly 39% from three-point range.

Golden State’s existing centers offer limited impact. Quinten Post, the only true center currently on the roster, along with Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kevon Looney, have rotated in without solidifying a dependable interior anchor. Turner’s addition would represent a clear upgrade, offering Steve Kerr a consistent defensive force and spacing option to complement his smaller, versatile lineups.

The unknown factor is the financial aspect, as the market for a top-tier center could be competitive. However, if the Warriors are to maximize the remaining prime years of Stephen Curry’s career, securing a player like Turner, who can cover defensively while enhancing offensive dynamics through floor spacing, may be their best move.

Significance of Adding a Defensive and Offensive Anchor

Myles Turner is close to making history with the Indiana Pacers, approaching the franchise playoff record for blocks previously held by Jermaine O’Neal. This defensive prowess would bring tangible benefits to Golden State’s protective schemes. Turner’s ability to influence both ends of the court fits the team’s immediate tactical needs in pursuit of another championship run.

The Warriors’ focus on upgrading the center spot underscores the strategic priority of supporting Stephen Curry, who remains the pivot of the team’s offensive and leadership core. Adding a player who can boost defense while creating space could extend Curry’s effectiveness and maintain Golden State’s competitiveness in a demanding Western Conference. How the offseason unfolds will reveal whether Turner commits to this new chapter in his career and how the Warriors reshape their lineup around their star guard.