The Indiana Pacers are taking steps to address the significant gap left by long-standing center Myles Turner, who recently joined the Milwaukee Bucks in a lucrative deal. In a strategic move, the Pacers have traded a second-round pick and a second-round pick swap to acquire center Jay Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies, according to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania and USA Today Network’s Michael Scotto. The deal involves a 2029 second-round pick from the Portland Trail Blazers along with a swap in 2031.
Standing 7 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 240 pounds, Huff is entering his fifth NBA team. At 27, he has established a role as a contributing player, having averaged 6.9 points and 2 rebounds in 64 games last season while shooting an impressive 40.5% from beyond the arc. Previously, he saw action with the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, and Denver Nuggets over three seasons.
Huff’s acquisition serves as an important interim solution at center following Turner’s departure, which leaves the Pacers with a critical position to fill. The Pacers had offered Turner a four-year, $95 million deal before he chose the Bucks’ offer of four years and $107 million, leaving the Pacers in search of a new player to fill that vital role.
The Pacers’ center rotation is still under construction, as Tony Bradley’s contract option has been exercised, although he could still be traded or waived. Meanwhile, Isaiah Jackson has received a qualifying offer that has made him a restricted free agent, although his recovery from an Achilles tendon tear sustained last year complicates matters.
This acquisition provides the Pacers a chance to stabilize their frontcourt as they seek to build a competitive team in the upcoming season. Fans will be eager to see how Huff contributes in this new environment and whether he can help the Pacers maintain their competitive edge.