During his weekly radio interview on 107.5 The Fan on Tuesday morning (YouTube link), Pacers coach Rick Carlisle dispelled any speculation that the team might be less inclined to re-sign Myles Turner after losing Tyrese Haliburton to a torn Achilles, relays Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star.
There have been reports that owner Herb Simon would be willing to pay the luxury tax if it becomes necessary to reach a new deal with Turner. That was before Haliburton’s injury in Game 7 of the NBA Finals that might sideline him for a full year, which figures to hamper Indiana’s chances to be competitive next season. However, Carlisle insists nothing has changed.
“I don’t think it’s any secret that the franchise, at this particular moment, that that is the No. 1 priority,” he said of Turner. “I don’t know anything about money or numbers or years, or any of that kind of stuff, but Myles is a very important part of what we’ve done here, what we’ve been doing. He’s a very important part of the history of the franchise, certainly over the last decade. I know that will be a big topic. I’m not privy to every little conversation going on there, but Myles is a very important part of what we’re doing. That will be a big thing.”
Turner is the longest-tenured current Pacer, spending the past decade with the organization after being selected with the 11th pick in the 2015 draft. He made close to $20MM this season in the final year of a two-year extension and could add $10MM+ to his annual salary in his next contract.
The Hawks and Pistons have been mentioned as teams that would have strong interest in Turner if he hits the open market.
Dopirak points out that the Pacers aren’t able to extend Turner’s contract again before free agency begins on Monday. However, they can begin negotiations on a new deal now that the NBA Finals have concluded.
Turner is coming off another productive season, averaging 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 72 games and finishing third in the league with 144 blocked shots. He also became a more reliable three-point shooter, connecting at a career best 39.6% from beyond the arc and sinking a career-high 156 three-pointers.
Dopirak adds that if the Pacers are able to re-sign Turner, all five of their playoff starters will be under contract through the 2026/27 season.