The Indiana Pacers aren't worried about Myles Turner's free agency, at least not yet. They're one game away from their first trip to the NBA Finals in 25 years. As NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on Wednesday, nobody believes Turner will leave Indiana (subscription required), partly because of his role in helping the team reach its current position.
Fischer also pointed out that the Pacers were "largely unwilling" to trade Turner before the February deadline. Turner is in the final year of his current contract and will be an unrestricted free agent in a few weeks.
On Sunday, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that Indiana ownership has "increased a willingness to increase spending next season" by possibly entering the luxury tax to keep its core together, which isn't something the Pacers are known to do. However, having a championship-caliber team makes all the difference.
Turner averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game during the regular season, shooting 48.1% from the field and 39.6% from three. He has increased his production in the postseason, averaging 16.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game during the playoffs, shooting 51.7% from the field and 38.6% from deep.
Pacers expected to re-sign Myles Turner this summer
Turner is in his 10th season with the Pacers. In his first five seasons in Indiana, the team secured a playoff berth but never advanced to the second round. They missed the playoffs the following three seasons before returning to the postseason in 2024 and 2025, snapping their semifinal drought.
The 29-year-old has been with Indiana through the lowest of lows and the highest of highs. The Pacers aren't done yet — their eyes are on the Larry O'Brien trophy. Turner is the longest-tenured player on the roster, so it'd be a full-circle moment to watch him be part of Indiana's ultimate goal.
Even though the Pacers want to keep Turner, this season proved that anything can happen in the NBA. Teams like the Lakers could pursue the center, as they need a starter after rescinding the Mark Williams trade. Perhaps joining LeBron James and Luka Doncic will tempt Turner, but Indiana is in a better position to compete for multiple championships than Los Angeles.
Turner's looming free agency is probably sitting in the very back of his mind. His focus is on Game 5 at MSG, which is the most important game he'll play for the Pacers since getting drafted in 2015. What happens next will be determined after Indiana's season ends, which will hopefully be after five more wins.