NBA Trade Deadline 2020: The 20 best players available

11. Myles Turner — C, Indiana Pacers — Salary of $17,500,000

Have I mentioned this list is purely based on what players would offer prospective buyers this year and this year only? That point is probably most applicable here with Myles Turner.

Buyers would probably not be purchasing Turner for his contributions this season. There have been no indications that he’s even available, even though Indiana could be well-served to trade Turner for a better-fitting piece. Furthermore, he has weaknesses in regards to his current level of play. He doesn’t rebound well. His defensive record can be spotty beyond his elite shot-blocking. His offensive game comes in fits and starts, and he’s never been a 20 points per game scorer over his career.

But Turner could grow into a star with time. He’s a good shooter with a quick first-step and some creation ability. And he’s a shot-blocking center. That combination is almost impossible to find. He has the outline of a do-everything big who could anchor a defense and fit anywhere on offense. That’s valuable. But he’s not there yet. This year, he would offer shooting, shot-blocking, and a few more skills around the edges. He’d be valuable and help any team. However, he would cost a huge amount because of his future potential, without offering that same value in the present to whichever team trades for him. The bet here is that he stays with Indiana.