The Indiana Pacers have found the team they believe will be able to capture the team's first NBA championship in franchise history.
Indiana has found a winning formula that has helped them reach the Eastern Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons and advance to the NBA Finals in 2025.
With added experience and support this season, players like Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, and Aaron Nesmith have been central to Indiana's recent success.
Now, the Pacers are looking to retain another key piece of their roster in hopes of extending their championship window for seasons to come.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton celebrates after winning Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton celebrates after winning Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
© David Richard-Imagn Images
Shams Charania expects Pacers to sign Myles Turner to a contract extension
Before the Indiana Pacers look to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania commented on the Pacers' hopes to get a deal done with veteran center Myles Turner.
"Myles Turner is due for a massive payday in the offseason... There's mutual interest in getting a deal done, but in doing so, I'm told the Pacers have determined that they will be entering the luxury tax next season for the first time in 20 years,' Charania said on NBA Countdown before Game 2.
Myles Turner is the longest tenured Indiana Pacers player on the roster – he was drafted by them in the first round (No. 11 overall) in the 2015 NBA Draft and has spent his entire career with the franchise.
This would be the third extension Turner would be signing with the team after his two-year, $40.9 million contract will be expiring after this season.
Jan 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) celebrates a made basket in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Jan 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) celebrates a made basket in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Throughout his career, Turner has been one of the most reliable shot-blocking centers in all of the NBA, averaging 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game in his 10-year career.
It's been rumored that his future contract will likely be earning him around $30 million annually and keep him with the team he's spent all of his career with.