Long-time starting center Myles Turner, who has been with the Indiana Pacers since they drafted him in 2015, is set to hit unrestricted free agency in the 2025 NBA offseason. Due to the nature of two-year contracts in the NBA, which is what Turner is currently on, the Pacers cannot sign the big man to an extension, inevitably making this the final year of his deal.
For most of his career, Turner has been the subject of trade rumors. Nothing came to fruition, of course, but it has led to many wondering if this could be the final year of his Pacers career. The Pacers are currently multiple games under .500 to begin the 2024-25 season, which has disappointed fans given their Eastern Conference Finals appearance last season. With the trade deadline still a couple of months away, the Pacers are a team to monitor in the trade market.
If the Pacers think they cannot contend for a championship this season, or if they believe Turner will walk in the offseason, trading him is a good idea. However, so far, there is no reason to believe the Texas native will be a part of another team's roster next season.
Myles Turner and the Pacers are mutually committed to each other
In September, Pacers GM Chad Buchanan made it clear that the team wants to bring Turner back next offseason. Buchanan cited Turner's work in the community and his on-court fit as the main reasons he wants to bring him back.
"He's a big part of our identity on the court, off the court, he's great with the community, as you know, but his development and fit with Rick [Carlisle]'s system, fit with our point guards, fit with Pascal [Siakam]. You see how he seamlessly fits into the way we play and we're a big believer in Myles, and we want him to be here," Buchanan said.
Additionally, even with Turner still being the subject of trade rumors this season, it is reportedly unlikely the team will pull the trigger and move on from him.
Recently, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Pacers had not made Turner available in any trade talks this season. Assuming this holds up, this is just more evidence that the front office is serious about keeping Turner on the team past this season. It takes two sides to make a new deal happen, and one of them is making it perfectly clear where they stand.
From Turner's perspective, though he has not outright said he wants to remain in Indiana, he has given fans no reason to think he wants to leave.
In spite of all the trade rumors, Turner has proved his loyalty to Indiana, signing new deals and playing an integral role in their success last season. Furthermore, he has taken on a leadership role in the locker room. He is committed to the team and evidently wants to remain with the organization for the long haul.
Even if Turner remains with the Pacers through the season and becomes a free agent next summer, fans can rest easy knowing there is a great chance he will remain in Indiana.