NBA championship or not, the Indiana Pacers are gearing up for an exciting offseason.
Usually careful about staying under the tax line, the Pacers might find themselves in new territory with Myles Turner’s future in question.
Turner will enter free agency once his two-year, $40.9 million fully guaranteed contract expires. Experts expect the Pacers’ center to have multiple suitors after the 2024-25 season ends. While no decision is imminent, two Eastern Conference contenders are reportedly eyeing the defensive standout.
Two Eastern Conference Teams Look to Sign Pacers’ Myles Turner as a UFA
According to RG’s Grant Afseth, the Pacers aren’t the only team hoping to land Turner.
The Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks — both in need of a steady frontcourt presence — are reportedly interested in signing him.
Led by Trae Young, the Hawks, who finished ninth in the East, could use Turner’s rim protection and playoff experience. Afseth, breaking down Atlanta’s needs, wrote:
“If Zaccharie Risacher takes a second-year leap and further depth is added, Turner’s presence could help stabilize and elevate a Hawks team seeking to reestablish itself as a playoff contender.”
Turner’s skill set could complement Young’s, boosting Atlanta’s play on both ends of the court. With a few smart additions, the Hawks could build a solid case for a return to the 2025-26 playoffs.
Detroit, on the other hand, would have a shot to pair the two-time league blocks leader with Cade Cunningham. Key players like Malik Beasley and Ausar Thompson could benefit from Turner’s presence and help push the Pistons higher than this season’s sixth-place finish in the East.
“Turner would bring a shot-blocking presence capable of forming a dynamic defensive tandem with Ausar Thompson while offering the floor spacing to help unlock Cunningham’s ability to orchestrate in half-court sets,” Afseth added.
Can Turner Cause Pacers to Breach Luxury Tax Bracket?
As mentioned, Indiana could dip into the luxury tax to keep Turner. He’s a key part of their rotation and has chemistry with Tyrese Haliburton, making his return a top priority.
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
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Pacers have already decided to enter the luxury tax to retain Turner.
“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.”
Charania also noted that the Pacers hope to keep their core intact, believing it’s the key to another shot at a title.
After a 123-107 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, the Pacers head back to Indiana for Game 3 on Wednesday, June 11.
