LA Clippers trade rumors: Myles Turner a trade target as they seek to rival LA Lakers for Indiana Pacers center

The LA Clippers didn't open the year as strongly as most expected, which could lead to them making changes in the near future. Recent reports suggest they could be interested in one of the most talked-about names on the trade market right now.

After entering the year as possible title favorites, the LA Clippers find themselves in seventh place in the Western Conference. They're above .500, but not by much with a record of 8-6.

Their biggest setback of the season so far involves Kawhi Leonard. Many expected the All-Star forward to be fully healthy after recovering from an ACL injury, but he's only appeared in two games.

One thing the Clippers have going for them is a roster full of depth. It appears they plan on consolidating their batch of talent to address a key area of need.

Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report recently reported that the team could be in on the Myles Turner sweepstakes:

"According to multiple sources, the Clippers have discussed targeting Myles Turner in the market.

"The Clippers are believed to be shopping some of their excess wing depth and are less likely to move a ball-handling guard like Reggie Jackson or John Wall.

"Team governor Steve Ballmer has shown a willingness to pay luxury taxes—the need to pay Turner after the season wouldn't be a deterrent for L.A."

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Should the LA Clippers target Myles Turner in a trade?

A snap from this season's game between the LA Lakers and LA Clippers

Given some of the teams they'll have to get through in their quest for a title, adding a defensive-minded big like Myles Turner could make sense for the LA Clippers. He will be useful in the frontcourt when they square off against the likes of Nikola Jokic, Anthony Davis, and Karl-Anthony Towns.

So far this season, Turner has averaged 17.9 points and 8.7 rebounds while shooting a stellar 37% from beyond the arc. Bringing him in would give LA more outside shooting, along with flexibility at center. As of now, the only big they have on their roster is Ivica Zubac.

The LA Lakers are also interested in Turner, but the Clippers should be able to easily out-bid them. Their cast of role players is far more enticing to a team like the Indiana Pacers.

With the LA Clippers already second in defensive rating, adding Tuner could make them a powerhouse on that side of the floor. Rotations are also bound to shrink in the postseason anyway, so moving on from multiple players to address a need makes a lot of sense for them.