It was a slow and sluggish start to the 2024-25 NBA season, but the Indiana Pacers eventually found their footing and now sit with a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference. On top of that, Indiana could threaten to overtake the New York Knicks, who sit in third place before the regular season ends. However, that would take the Knicks falling apart in the next two weeks—which is possible considering their upcoming schedule. A significant part of the Pacers success this season has been due to star center Myles Turner. The league’s 2x blocks champion was rumored to be traded earlier in the season but stayed on with the Pacers. It would appear that Indiana wants to retain Turner past this season, but there could be obstacles to overcome this summer.
Pacers Face Financial Implications In Retaining Star Center
he Indiana Pacers Want to Keep Center Myles Turner Beyond This Season
It would be quite an accomplishment if the Pacers were to repeat last season’s playoff run with another Eastern Conference finals appearance. The East is not a strong conference this year compared to the West. Apart from the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, no true threats exist. Many argue that even the Cavaliers aren’t a true threat. As for the Pacers, however, they could be threatening, not to come out of the East but to battle the team that does come out of the East.
No matter how Indiana’s season ends, they face roster decisions in the offseason, and it might not be easy for the franchise. Indiana reportedly wants to keep Turner, who has played in Indiana his entire NBA career, past this offseason, long-term. Turner will become a free agent this summer, and the Pacers will not be his only suitor. Not long ago, Turner was rumored to be on the trade block. For Indiana’s liking, Turner’s asking price for a new future deal was a little high. Of course, a trade never occurred, and Turner will ride out another playoff run with the Pacers. Still, that doesn’t negate what will come this offseason.
NBA Senior Writer Brian Windhorst Expects Financial Hurtles
Suppose Turner and the Pacers come to an understanding this summer. In that case, it won’t be without its financial implications, and as ESPN’s Brian Windhorst stated while speaking on upcoming free agency in the NBA, there are hoops to jump through.
“Team sources told me the Pacers absolutely want to keep Turner, who is closing in on his 700th game for the franchise. But Indiana has to manage a cash crunch. They are currently projected to be about $22 million below next season’s luxury tax without Turner, and he’ll probably be looking for a significant raise on his current $19.9 million salary. The Pacers haven’t paid the luxury tax since 2005, and there are no plans to go into it next season, sources said. Keeping Turner is going to require some negotiating and some maneuvering.”
Turner is one of the more reliable centers in the league. Not only is his paint presence on both ends of the floor a solid pillar for Indiana, but he is also a threat from outside the paint in the mid-range and three-point line. Turner is a 36.2% career shooter from long distance—an impressive number for a center. He’s also averaged 49.9% from the field in his 10 years in the NBA. Presently, Turner is averaging a career-best 40.2% from three while scoring 15.5 points per night on 48.1% from the field. If Indiana can retain him, it’s a win for the franchise. Will they be willing to live with the financial implications Windhorst speaks of? We’ll find out this summer.
© Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
The post Pacers Face Financial Implications In Retaining Star Center appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.