Amid their surprise NBA Finals run, the Indiana Pacers have reportedly made a massive decision on impending free agent center Myles Turner’s future.
The Pacers have done an admirable job building out their depth around star point guard Tyrese Haliburton in recent years, with their ability to run 10 to 11 deep aiding their playoff success. However, Turner, the franchise’s longest-tenured player, has also played a pivotal role in helping it get over the hump, providing outside shooting and interior defense.
Turner’s two-year, $40.9 million contract is set to expire after this postseason, making him an unrestricted free agent. While concerns have lingered about the Pacers’ ability to afford retaining the 10-year veteran, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, they will do whatever it takes to do so.
Pacers Expected to Enter Luxury Tax to Re-sign Myles Turner
Ahead of Indiana’s Game 2 finals road clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, Charania reported on Turner’s desire for a raise following his standout playoff run. The NBA insider underscored the organization’s reverence for the two-time league blocks leader, noting that it has already decided to enter the luxury tax to re-sign him.
“Myles Turner is looking for a massive payday in the offseason. The Pacers know they cannot afford to lose him as a free agent,” Charania said.
“There is mutual interest in getting a deal done, but in doing so, I’m told the Pacers have determined that they will be entering the luxury tax next season for the first time in 20 years.”
Reporting for ABC NBA Countdown on the present and future impact of Myles Turner on the Indiana Pacers – and the franchise’s determination to enter the luxury tax for the first time in 20 years: pic.twitter.com/EIIynsfYtF
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 9, 2025
Charania added that the Pacers view their core as a perennial title contender.
“They want to keep this core intact and give this team a chance to make a real run, not only for this season, but for the next few seasons coming,” Charania said. “Myles Turner is a big part of that, specifically on defense, the way he was able to limit the Thunder in the paint in Game 1. A trend they hope to continue in Game 2 and beyond.”
Turner Expected to Command Around $30 Million per Year on Next Deal
Per Forbes’ Evan Sidery, Turner, who made $19.9 million this season, “will likely earn around $30 million annually on his new contract with Indiana.” That would keep him as the team’s third-highest-paid player next season behind Haliburton ($45.6 million) and his co-star, Pascal Siakam ($45.6 million).
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Given Turner’s two-way impact and the scarcity of available big man talent, the move appears to be a no-brainer for the Pacers.
Over 72 outings this season, Turner averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 2.0 blocks and 2.2 3-pointers per game, shooting 48.1%, including 39.6% from deep.
