Myles Turner has hilarious approach heading into contract year

Heading into his 10th year with the Indiana Pacers, Myles Turner could be in for one of the best seasons of his career. For the first time in a long time, he and the Pacers are playoff contenders and are in the discussion of being title contenders. There is a lot to be excited about in Indiana after the team's Eastern Conference Finals run just a few months ago.

However, something that will loom over the Turner's head is that fact that this is the final year of his contract and he will hit unrestricted free agency next summer. In a recent interview, the 28-year-old spoke about heading into a contract year and gave an answer many Pacers fans may appreciate.

Myles Turner jokes that every year of his Pacers career felt like a contract year

During his Media Day appearance on Monday, Turner said it felt like every year he has been with the Pacers has been like a contract year.

“I can’t help but laugh. I’m going to keep it a stack,” Turner said. “Every year in Indiana has been a contract year at this point. Whether you’re fighting rumors or you’re staying true to your grind and whatnot. I don’t feel too different because at the end of the day, the success we had last year is what I’ve become obsessed with.”

Of course, Turner said this in a joking manner, but it brings up an interesting idea.

The Texas native was referring to being a popular trade candidate for years. This was especially true following the Victor Oladipo years due to him being a top player on a team that was not competing. In this sense, Turner had to play to the highest level possible to ensure the Pacers would not trade him, making him one of their more valuable players.

As he approaches what actually is a contract year, things are completely different for Turner. While nothing is official yet, it seems likely the long-time Pacer will not go anywhere next summer. He seems to enjoy being a Pacer, and it is clear this feeling is mutual.

The Pacers are fresh off a conference finals appearance, their first since 2014, just one year before Turner was drafted. Though their stars are undeniably Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, nobody will question Turner's importance to the team. He is a fantastic fit next to both of those players and is also a fan-favorite.

Though he is not eligible for a contract extension this year due to the nature of two-year contracts in the NBA, it is fair to assume this will become the main priority for both sides next summer as the Pacers aim to take the league by storm and become legitimate title contenders.