While much attention has centered on the Milwaukee Bucks’ acquisition of Myles Turner and their decision to part ways with Damian Lillard, the Indiana Pacers have quietly suffered a significant setback. With Turner’s departure confirmed, the Pacers confront the loss of a key player who helped propel them toward the NBA Finals last season, marking a major shift in their roster dynamics.
The Bucks now hold contracts tied to both Turner and Lillard, leaving Indiana without two essential contributors ahead of the upcoming season. In particular, losing Turner, known for his defensive presence and interior scoring, presents a difficult problem after the traumatic injury to Tyrese Haliburton left another void in the Pacers’ lineup. Turner’s unexpected trade came despite longstanding assumptions that he would remain a franchise cornerstone.
Jay Huff Acquisition Aims to Strengthen the Pacers’ Interior Defense
In an effort to address their exposed frontcourt, the Pacers completed a trade to acquire center Jay Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies. Huff, who went undrafted in 2021 following a standout college tenure at the University of Virginia, has navigated a winding path across several NBA teams and their G-League affiliates, including stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, and Denver Nuggets.
Last season marked possibly Huff’s most consistent performance, appearing in 64 games and averaging 11.7 minutes per contest off Memphis’s bench behind Jaren Jackson Jr. He posted averages of 6.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.6 assists, while also providing close to one block per game. Although these numbers do not approach Turner’s production, they suggest Huff could offer some level of defensive support and offensive contribution.
Trade Details and Expectations from the New Center
ESPN insider Shams Charania confirmed the trade details on social media:
The Memphis Grizzlies are trading center Jay Huff to the Indiana Pacers for one second-round pick and one second-round pick swap, sources tell ESPN.
—Shams Charania, Insider
The exchange involved the Pacers sending a second-round draft pick plus a second-round pick swap to Memphis. Although Huff’s stats reflect a role player rather than a star, the move fills the immediate need created by Turner’s exit. Turner averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists last season, while earning a reputation as one of the league’s premier rim protectors — a level of impact Huff is unlikely to replicate fully.
Despite the disparity in production, Huff may serve as a useful rotational player or even a temporary starter if circumstances demand. His ability to block shots shows potential value on defense, but the Pacers still face uncertainty until they can secure a high-impact big man to restore their frontcourt strength.
What This Means for the Pacers’ Future Prospects
This trade signifies the Pacers’ acknowledgment of their urgent need to rebuild among their big men following Myles Turner’s departure. While Jay Huff provides some depth and flexibility, the Pacers’ path back to contending for the Larry O’Brien Trophy remains fraught with challenges unless further moves bring in star-level talent in the paint.
The current adjustment underscores a tense and uneasy period as the team works to reconfigure both its defense and offense without two critical pieces from last year’s roster. The upcoming season will test whether Huff and the Pacers’ remaining core can bridge the significant gap left by Turner, or if additional roster changes will be necessary to reclaim their competitive status.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Myles Turner?
A. Turner’s surprising departure from Indy after ten years happened on Tuesday. He signed a four-year, $107 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. At 29 years old, Turner leaving was unexpected but not completely out of the question.
Q. How many 30 point games does Myles Turner have?
A. Myles Turner has scored over 30 points in 13 different games.