NBA Trade Rumors: Dallas Mavericks may sign $29,936,173 Indiana Pacers to bolster roster; Myles Turner could

NBA Trade Rumors: Dallas Mavericks Eye Blockbuster Move for Myles Turner in $29.9 Million Deal to Bolster Championship Hopes

Dallas, TX – June 2025 — With the dust of the NBA Finals barely settled and the offseason trade mill in full swing, the Dallas Mavericks have emerged as one of the most aggressive suitors in the hunt for a major roster upgrade. According to sources close to the league, the Mavericks are actively exploring a blockbuster trade with the Indiana Pacers to acquire veteran center Myles Turner in a deal that could be worth up to $29,936,173 — a move that could significantly alter the Western Conference landscape for the 2025–26 season.

The rumors gained traction earlier this week following cryptic social media activity from several Dallas-based sports insiders and analysts. According to multiple reports, Mavericks executives have identified Turner as a high-priority trade target, citing his elite rim protection, improved three-point shooting, and defensive versatility as ideal complements to their current core built around superstar Luka Dončić.

If executed, the trade would not only bring one of the league’s most reliable big men to Dallas but also serve as a clear signal that the Mavericks are entering full championship-or-bust mode.

Turner’s Trade Value and Contract Details

Myles Turner, 28, is currently under contract with the Indiana Pacers through the 2025–26 season, earning $29,936,173 annually. That price tag, while hefty, represents fair market value for a player of his stature in today’s NBA — a hybrid center capable of stretching the floor, anchoring a defense, and providing veteran leadership.

Turner averaged 16.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game during the 2024–25 season, all while shooting 36.8% from beyond the arc. His durability, having played 72 games last season, also plays into the Mavericks’ calculus. Dallas has struggled in recent years with consistency and injury management in its frontcourt.

“Turner isn’t just a good center,” said former NBA coach and current analyst Stan Van Gundy. “He’s a modern center — mobile, strong, experienced. He doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, and that’s exactly the kind of player you want next to someone like Luka.”

Why Dallas Is Making This Move

The Mavericks, despite having one of the most dynamic duos in the league in Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, fell short in the 2024–25 Western Conference semifinals. Their Achilles’ heel? Interior defense and rebounding — especially in crunch time. The team’s rotation of big men, including Dwight Powell and rookie Dereck Lively II, showed promise but lacked consistency, size, and postseason experience.

Enter Myles Turner.

Dallas sees Turner as the missing piece in a roster that already boasts All-NBA scoring, elite guard play, and decent perimeter defense. With Dončić running the offense, Irving taking over in key stretches, and Turner protecting the paint and spacing the floor, the Mavericks believe they can challenge the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and even a rising OKC Thunder squad.

“Luka doesn’t need another ball-dominant player — he needs help in the trenches,” said NBA insider Chris Haynes. “Someone who can defend the rim, grab boards, set hard screens, and knock down an open three. Turner fits that bill perfectly.”

Potential Trade Package

To match Turner’s $29.9 million salary, the Mavericks would likely have to include a combination of salaries and draft capital. Potential trade pieces could include:

• Tim Hardaway Jr. (expiring contract)
• Maxi Kleber (valued for his defense and stretch-4 ability)
• A young asset like Jaden Hardy or Josh Green
• A future first-round pick (possibly 2027 or 2029, depending on protections)

The Pacers, meanwhile, may be open to parting ways with Turner given their recent youth movement and ongoing commitment to All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton. With Jarace Walker developing at the forward position and the franchise showing signs of moving toward a faster, more perimeter-oriented style, Turner could be the odd man out in their long-term plans.

“Indiana is in a great place with young talent,” said ESPN’s Bobby Marks. “But if you can flip Turner for assets that better fit your window and timeline, it’s something you have to consider.”

The Kyrie-Luka Factor

It’s no secret that Kyrie Irving’s presence in Dallas has raised the stakes for the Mavericks’ front office. With both Dončić and Irving locked in for the next few seasons, the team is in win-now mode. Every offseason that passes without a deep playoff run adds pressure to keep the core happy — especially Dončić, who has already begun to face subtle media speculation about his long-term future with the franchise.

Turner’s arrival would not only address specific basketball needs but also serve as a statement of intent to Luka and the fanbase: Dallas is going all-in.

“Kyrie and Luka can score 70 points between them,” said The Athletic’s Tim Cato. “But they need a defensive anchor and someone who makes opposing teams think twice about attacking the rim. That’s Turner. The Mavs aren’t just patching holes — they’re aiming for a title.”

What the Move Means for Indiana

From Indiana’s perspective, this trade could represent both an ending and a new beginning. Myles Turner has been the longest-tenured player on the Pacers roster, drafted 11th overall in 2015. Through coaching changes, rebuilds, and roster overhauls, Turner has been a constant. But with the franchise pivoting toward Haliburton, Benedict Mathurin, and other younger pieces, this could be the right time to let Turner pursue a championship elsewhere.

Indiana would likely demand at least one high-value pick and a young player with upside in any deal. The flexibility of shedding Turner’s salary would also open up cap space for future extensions or free-agent pursuits.

“This isn’t about Turner’s value — it’s about the Pacers’ direction,” said NBA reporter Shams Charania. “They’re building around youth, pace, and versatility. That timeline doesn’t necessarily line up with a veteran center earning close to $30 million.”

League-Wide Implications

If the deal does go through, it could set off a chain reaction across the NBA. Other contenders like the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Milwaukee Bucks have been linked to big men in free agency and trade talks. Should Turner land in Dallas, those teams might pivot toward other targets like Clint Capela, Jonas Valančiūnas, or even Karl-Anthony Towns if Minnesota finally decides to make a move.

Additionally, the move could force Western Conference rivals to rethink their strategy. The Denver Nuggets, long considered the team to beat in the West, have struggled when Nikola Jokić is forced to guard mobile, floor-spacing bigs. Turner’s presence could complicate matchups for them and others.

“Turner isn’t a superstar, but he’s one of those guys who changes your ceiling,” said NBA executive Mike Zarren. “He doesn’t demand touches, but he gives your stars room to shine. In the right system, he’s a silent killer.”

Fan Reactions and Public Sentiment

Social media in both Dallas and Indiana exploded with the news of the rumor. Mavericks fans are largely enthusiastic, seeing Turner as a major defensive upgrade who can finally stabilize the interior. Hashtags like #MylesToDallas and #BigThreeBuzz began trending on X within hours.

Indiana fans, on the other hand, expressed mixed feelings. Many praised Turner’s loyalty and growth with the team, while others acknowledged that the franchise’s youth movement made this the right time to move on.

“It’s bittersweet,” wrote one Pacers fan on Reddit. “Turner’s been the face of our defense for nearly a decade. But if he gets a shot at a ring, we can’t be mad.”

Final Thoughts

As the Mavericks continue to push for championship contention in a fiercely competitive Western Conference, the potential acquisition of Myles Turner would be more than just a roster upgrade — it would be a cultural shift. It would say that Dallas is done waiting for the future and is prepared to risk it all to win now.

Turner, long respected for his professionalism and work ethic, would walk into Dallas ready to contribute. For a team with stars already in place, that’s exactly the kind of veteran presence they need.

While no deal is finalized yet, talks are reportedly intensifying, and league insiders believe the groundwork is already being laid for a potential draft-week announcement or early free-agency splash.

Until then, NBA fans will keep refreshing their feeds, speculating trade packages, and imagining how Myles Turner would look in a Mavericks jersey — running the pick-and-roll with Luka Dončić, swatting shots into the second row, and possibly helping deliver the franchise its first championship since 2011.

Because if this deal does happen, it’s not just a win for Dallas — it’s a message: The Mavericks aren’t just playing to compete. They’re playing to conquer.

“Aaron Nesmith: The Unsung Hero Behind Indiana’s Comeback”

I’ve been a fan of Bennedict Mathurin since the day he suited up for the Pacers. His swagger, his aggressive slashing, and the effortless finesse in his game made him an instant favorite. When he hit the floor, you felt something electric could happen at any moment. So when Mathurin went down with an injury, I’ll admit it—I wasn’t thrilled to see Aaron Nesmith step into a bigger role in the backcourt.

Nesmith, at first glance, didn’t have the same flair. His game lacked the fluidity I’d come to admire in Mathurin. He seemed more mechanical, more uncertain. Watching him in those early starts, I found myself counting down the minutes until Mathurin would return. But basketball has a funny way of humbling fans and players alike.

Last season’s playoffs started changing the narrative for me. While Tyrese Haliburton rightfully drew most of the spotlight and Pascal Siakam brought veteran leadership, Nesmith quietly became indispensable on defense. He didn’t light up the scoreboard, but he made life hell for opposing wings. His grit showed up in ways that don’t always make the highlight reel—contested shots, altered drives, and hustle plays that sparked fast breaks. I began to respect his value, even if I still missed Mathurin’s flair.

Fast-forward to this season, and something has clicked for Nesmith in a way no one expected. He currently leads the league with a scorching 67% field goal percentage—an absurd number for a wing player. Efficiency like that doesn’t just happen. It’s the product of disciplined shot selection, relentless work ethic, and a player stepping fully into his role.

Then came the Knicks game—Indiana’s dramatic comeback that will be talked about all year. Most people are buzzing about the team’s furious rally and the emotional overtime win, and rightly so. But while the spotlight shines on the Pacers’ collective comeback, I want to focus on the man who turned the tide and opened the door to that win: Aaron Nesmith.

With just over three minutes left in regulation, the Pacers were dead in the water. Down double digits and struggling to find rhythm, someone needed to step up. That someone was Nesmith. He erupted, hitting five consecutive three-pointers with the kind of poise that you don’t expect from a so-called role player. It wasn’t just that he made the shots—it was when and how he made them. Each bucket was a dagger, each possession infused with a growing belief.

He wasn’t just riding a hot hand—he was making smart reads, relocating off the ball, punishing closeouts, and keeping defenders on their heels. Then, when the moment called for nerves of steel, he knocked down two critical free throws. The Pacers scored 23 points in the final 3:14 of the fourth quarter. Nesmith accounted for 17 of them.

Think about that. In less than four minutes, he nearly outscored the entire Knicks team. With the season’s momentum hanging in the balance, he took control like a seasoned star. Then, in overtime, he didn’t fade into the background. He kept contributing—diving for loose balls, switching onto bigger players, and making the right pass.

When the dust settled, Nesmith had 30 points on 8-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc. That kind of efficiency in such a high-pressure moment isn’t just impressive—it’s elite. And it didn’t come from nowhere. It came from a season’s worth of preparation, learning, and steady improvement.

This wasn’t just a hot night. This was a culmination. We’re watching a player transform before our eyes—no longer a placeholder while others heal, but a vital piece in a rising Pacers squad with legitimate postseason hopes.

The thing about basketball is that it’s not just about who you were, but who you become. Nesmith came into the league as a shooter. He was drafted for his stroke, but struggled early on in Boston to find a consistent role. Traded to Indiana as part of the Malcolm Brogdon deal, he wasn’t expected to be a key piece—just depth, maybe a spark off the bench. Instead, he’s become much more.

He’s evolved into a two-way threat. His defensive tenacity now pairs with a refined offensive game. He’s picking his spots, using screens more effectively, and shooting with the kind of confidence that only comes from earned trust—both in himself and from his coaches.

When you look at championship-caliber teams, they all have players like Aaron Nesmith—guys who embrace their roles, outwork their limitations, and show up when the moment demands it. Nesmith is no longer just filling in for Mathurin. He’s staking his own claim.

And as a Mathurin fan, I’m not mad about it. In fact, I’m excited. Because when Mathurin returns fully healthy, the Pacers will have something they haven’t had in years: true depth. A backcourt rotation that’s not only talented, but unselfish and complementary.

It’s a luxury few teams have—multiple wings who can defend, hit threes, and swing the momentum of a game. Nesmith’s emergence doesn’t diminish Mathurin. It elevates the team. And it gives Coach Carlisle options, flexibility, and a reason to believe this Pacers team could make real noise in the playoffs.

Aaron Nesmith may not have the flash of a superstar, but right now, he has the numbers—and the impact—of one. That fourth-quarter performance against the Knicks wasn’t an outlier. It was a statement.

So while everyone else rewatches the highlights and marvels at the comeback, don’t forget the guy who lit the match.

You can’t sleep on Aaron Nesmith anymore.