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Adam WellsDecember 9, 2021.
Andy Lyons is a photographer.
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner is unhappy with the organization, despite a disappointing 11-16 start to the season.
Turner thinks the Pacers don't see him as a valued part of their lineup.
I want something more, more opportunity because I am not valued as anything more than a role player here. I want to maximize the role that I am given here and make it work. I have been trying for the past three seasons. It is clear to me that I am not valued as more of a role player than I am.
The Pacers are receptive to engaging trade discussions for either Turner or Domantas Sabonis and Caris LeVert, according to Shams Charania and Bob Kravitz of The Athletic.
Turner has been mentioned in trade rumors for years, but the Pacers have been unwilling to part with their 25-year-old center.
Indiana has struggled to find ways to maximize its roster with Turner and Sabonis.
The Indianapolis Star reported that Rick Carlisle told J.L. Kirven that he would shorten the minutes for Turner and Sabonis.
In the first year of his second stint as the team's coach, he talked to both guys about it. "They both like playing together and they were both open to doing different kinds of things and talking about them and putting them into play."
Turner has shown good growth in his skill set in recent years, even though he is generally regarded as the better offensive player. The 6'11" Texas product is shooting 36.1 percent from three-point range.
Turner is a better defender. He has averaged at least 2.1 blocks in each of the last four seasons. The Texas native has led the league in blocks per game twice in the past three seasons and is currently leading the league in that category this season.
The Pacers missed the playoffs for the first time in three years last season, but they brought in a new coach in the shape of Carlisle.
Things haven't started out well in Indiana. The team's 11-16 record is good for third place in the Eastern Conference behind the Magic and Pistons.
Turner will be free agent in 2022-23, but he is still owed $17.5 million this season. He's averaging 12.9 points and 7.3 rebound per game with a 39.7 three-point percentage in 26 starts.
