Myles Turner, the prominent center for the Indiana Pacers, will remain with the team as the NBA trade deadline passed without a deal involving him. Moments before the 3 p.m. ET deadline on Thursday, Turner took to social media to share a meme from the reality show 'Survivor,' implying that he would not be traded. This development is particularly significant considering the trade rumors that had surfaced throughout the season, especially with the Los Angeles Lakers seeking improvements in their frontcourt.

While speculation surrounded a potential trade, various reports indicated that the Pacers were hesitant to part ways with Turner. NBA insider Marc Stein noted last Thursday that the general consensus around the league was that the Pacers were not inclined to trade their star big man. Despite being scheduled to enter unrestricted free agency in the upcoming offseason, the Pacers may have opted to hold onto Turner in hopes of maximizing his impact for a playoff push rather than seeking a trade to secure assets in return.

Turner has spent his entire NBA career with Indiana, playing a crucial role in the team’s journey to the Eastern Conference Finals in the previous season. Currently, the Pacers are fourth in the Eastern Conference standings after an impressive 12-3 run over their last 15 games. During this season, Turner has averaged 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor with a shooting percentage of 47.9 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from three-point range. His versatile playing style makes him an attractive asset for teams in need of a strong frontcourt presence. Turner will continue to contribute to the Pacers, looking to solidify their position in the postseason as he seemed pleased to remain in Indiana.