Why Pacers cannot extend Myles Turner this season

Following the recent news of T.J. McConnell's contract extension with the Indiana Pacers, the team now has nearly all their major players under contract beyond the 2024-25 season.

In addition to extending McConnell, the Pacers extended Andrew Nembhard's contract and re-signed Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin to long-term contracts. Furthermore, Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith both signed contract extensions in 2023 that will keep them under contract through 2029 and 2027, respectively.

Considering the Pacers are a young team fresh off an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, this is exciting for the organization. However, the biggest problem in terms of the team's future outlook is the contract of long-time center Myles Turner.

In 2023, the Pacers signed Turner to a two-year contract extension that will keep him under contract through next season. However, due to the nature of certain NBA contracts, the two sides cannot agree to a contract extension at any point before Turner hits unrestricted free agency next year.

NBA contracts must be three or more years long to be extension-eligible. Due to Turner's contract only technically being for two years, he is not eligible for a contract extension at any point.

Myles Turner's two-year contract makes him ineligible for an extension before 2025

It should be noted that even though Turner cannot sign an extension before the end of his contract, it does not mean he will not stay with the Pacers for the long run.

The 28-year-old has been with the Pacers since the team drafted him with the No. 11 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Additionally, he is currently their longest-tenured player and has gone through many years of hard times with the Pacers. With the Pacers finally becoming contenders again, it would make sense for Turner to stay with the team next year.

Turner's name is still thrown around in numerous mock trades and rumors, but until something officially comes to fruition, these will simply remain rumors. Furthermore, he fits this Pacers team perfectly and is a fan favorite. A lot can happen between now and next summer, but it is fair to assume that Turner will remain with the team for a while.