'That does something to your ego': How Pacers big man Myles Turner deals with trade rumors
The next time Myles Turner is mentioned in a trade rumor (and, given the way NBA chatter goes, it's likely at some point), he will be able to take it in stride. But it wasn't always that way.
The Indiana Pacers big man recently joined Theo Pinson's "Run Your Race" podcast and discussed several topics, including his reaction to trade rumors throughout his career, which is entering its ninth season.
"It's a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately business," he said. "I didn't understand that at first. I took it as a slight."
Numbers issue: Jermaine O'Neal lashes out after Buddy Hield gets No. 7
Turner sees his career in distinct stages:
∎ A learning process his first two seasons. The Pacers had recently made two trips to the Eastern Conference finals and remained a playoff team. He was a part-time starter as a rookie and started 81 games his second season.
∎ Being "handed the keys" of the franchise after Paul George was traded in 2017 for Domantas Sabonis and Victor Oladipo.
"I wasn't ready (for that responsibility)," he acknowledged, noting that he twice missed time that season with injuries, and the two Pacers newcomers became fan favorites.
"I let that slip real fast," Turner said. "I'm slowly watching those keys that were handed to me be handed to somebody else. That does something to your ego."
∎ Rebuilding: The Pacers last made the playoffs in 2020 but hope to return this season, behind Turner, Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield and Bennedict Mathurin.
Turner's named has popped up in trade rumors several times in recent seasons, but he said he's now unfazed by them.
"Being in the rumors every single year, it kind of toughened up my skin. I know it's not personal," he said. "But know if you trade, I'm going to bust your ass. Everybody has that in the back of your head."
There is some NSFW language.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Pacers' Myles Turner discusses being the subject of trade rumors
