Long-time Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner is entering the final year of his contract ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. Due to the nature of two-year contracts in the NBA, which is what Turner is currently on, the two sides cannot work on another contract until the current one expires.
No matter what happens, Turner is going to be an unrestricted free agent in 2025. However, that does not mean Pacers fans need to worry that the soon-to-be 10-year veteran will find himself on a new team next season. The big man has made it clear he enjoys playing in Indiana, and according to major names in the Pacers' front office, this feeling is mutual.
Pacers GM Chad Buchanan confirms the team wants Myles Turner back
Pacers GM Chad Buchanan took part in a press conference a week before the start of training camp. During the press conference, he answered many questions about the team and their direction. Naturally, he was questioned about the long-term future of Turner and his contract status with the team. Fortunately for Pacers fans, Buchanan does not want Turner to go anywhere.
Buchanan made it clear that he and the rest of the team want the Texas native to stick with the Pacers for the long haul. In the press conference, Buchanan cited Turner's fit and identity with the team as major reasons they want to bring him back.
Pacers start training camp next week.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) September 24, 2024
GM Chad Buchanan speaking today.
Buchanan on the upcoming contract year for Myles Turner: pic.twitter.com/a4Fy37rU90
"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 's system, fit with our point guards, fit with Pascal . 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.
It is a no-brainer for the Pacers to want to bring Turner back. He has developed into one of the better centers in the NBA and has stuck with the team even throughout their rebuilding years after the Paul George era.
Additionally, as Buchanan said, Turner is a perfect fit in Indiana. He is the perfect frontcourt partner next to Siakam, and he has played tremendously alongside Tyrese Haliburton at point guard.
Furthermore, the desire to bring Turner back is more than just simply not wanting to lose him to another team. The Pacers need Turner to come back, in addition to what he brings to the table, because they have no other replacement for him.
Isaiah Jackson looks solid, and James Wiseman has the potential to surprise some people this year, but neither center can replace Turner in the lineup at this point in time. Luckily, it seems that Pacers fans will not have to worry about this one way or the other.
Of course, nothing is official yet regarding Turner's contract, and that will be the case until next year. However, based on what we know so far, Paces fans can sleep easy knowing that Turner will likely remain a Pacer at least for the foreseeable future.