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Pacers GM says Turner will remain with team to start season

Justin Casterline / Getty Images Sport / Getty

It looks like Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner won't be on another team to being the season.

On a radio appearance with 107.5 The Fan, Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan said the seven-year veteran will be the team's starting center on opening night.

"From a basketball standpoint, he's an outstanding fit on the court for us," Buchanan said.

Buchanan also cited last season's acquisition of Tyrese Haliburton as a reason for not dealing Turner. The pair didn't play together after the Pacers acquired Haliburton in February due to a foot injury Turner suffered in January.

However, Buchanan didn't rule out the possibility of trading Turner during the campaign. The 26-year-old is on the last season of a four-year, $80-million contract.

"Other teams around the league value him, too," Buchanan added. "So, it's always gonna be our job to listen if it helps improve the team."

Turner has been the subject of a lot of trade speculation this past year. An offseason deal that would've sent him and sharpshooter Buddy Hield to the Los Angeles Lakers for former MVP Russell Westbrook and a first-round pick failed to materialize.

Turner averaged 12.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks in 42 games last season.

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