The Indiana Pacers finished just one win shy of their first NBA championship in team history. While many positive vibes come from that accomplishment, some were put on hold due to the massive injury that occurred during Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, already playing on a strained calf, suffered a non-contact Achilles injury. With the news that it is a torn Achilles, it can be expected that he will miss most, if not all, of next season. With the NBA now in offseason mode, let’s make some predictions as to whether or not the Pacers will keep their notable free agents.
Stay Or Go? Predicting What Happens With Pacers Free Agents
Thomas Bryant – Leave
The Pacers acquired Thomas Bryant in December in a low-risk trade with the Miami Heat (gave up a 2031 second round pick). Indiana needed more size due to both James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson sustaining season-ending injuries.
Turning 28 years old on July 31, Bryant would be utilized as the Pacers backup center. In 56 games for them, he posted averages of 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds. Other than a strong Game 6 against the New York Knicks, he did little in the postseason. They could bring him back on a minimum deal, but the prediction here is he moves on elsewhere.
Isaiah Jackson (Restricted) – Stay
Unfortunately for Jackson and the Pacers, his season ended very prematurely. On November 1, the 23-year-old tore his Achilles, allowing him to only appear in five games in 2024-25. This past season was his fourth in the league, all with Indiana. He has become a solid backup big for the team and averaged 10.3 minutes in his 15 postseason outings in 2024.
Playing 15.0 minutes per contest for his career, he has averages of 7.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks. He rarely attempts shots from beyond the arc, but he owns a shooting percentage of 59.5. The 6-foot-10 center has a well above-average career PER of 19.4. Look for Indiana to retain him on a deal at, or close to, the veteran’s minimum to reclaim his backup center role.
Myles Turner – Stay
Did things change due to the Haliburton injury? Reports have been that the Pacers are willing to go into the luxury tax to retain Myles Turner in order to keep their Eastern Conference championship core together. Knowing that Haliburton will miss most, if not all, of next season, one has to wonder if Indiana’s plans have changed.
Selected 11th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, Turner is the longest-tenured Pacers player spending 10 years with them. The 29-year-old had a disappointing NBA Finals run, but during the regular season, he nailed a career-best 39.6% of his three-point tries. While the decision may now be a bit tougher due to Haliburton’s injury, the prediction here is that Turner re-signs with Indiana on a multi-year deal.
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