The Indiana Pacers are currently facing a significant decision regarding their veteran center, Myles Turner. As Turner approaches unrestricted free agency, reports suggest that he is seeking a contract worth over $30 million. However, the Pacers are reportedly hesitant to meet this demand, potentially leading to trade rumors surrounding the long-time Pacers player.
Myles Turner’s Contract Negotiations and Pacers’ Reluctance
Turner, who has been with the Pacers since being drafted 11th overall in 2015, is in the final year of a two-year, $58 million extension he signed in 2023. Despite his consistent performance, averaging 15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, the Pacers are reportedly unsure about offering him a contract exceeding $30 million. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Pacers might be open to trading Turner if they cannot agree on a new contract.
A Tweet read,
“The Indiana Pacers may not be willing to pay Myles Turner over $30 million on his next contract, which could potentially lead to him being placed on the trade market, per @jovanbuha “I’ve heard Turner is about to be an unrestricted free agent and he’s going to want 30-plus million and I’ve heard Indiana is not sure if they want to give him 30-plus million…I heard from a league source that Indiana might kind of sneak be open to trading Myles Turner.””
The Indiana Pacers may not be willing to pay Myles Turner over $30 million on his next contract, which could potentially lead to him being placed on the trade market, per @jovanbuha
“I’ve heard Turner is about to be an unrestricted free agent and he’s going to want 30-plus… pic.twitter.com/l0I0sgT7V2
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 26, 2025
Trade Market and Potential Suitors
The potential trade of Turner has sparked interest from several NBA teams, with the Los Angeles Lakers being one of the front-runners. Lakers star Anthony Davis has publicly expressed the need for another big man to bolster the team’s frontcourt, making Turner an attractive option for the Lakers. However, the Pacers are not actively shopping Turner at the moment, and any trade discussions would likely occur closer to the trade deadline.
