The Indiana Pacers, despite having their fair share of team success over the last several years, are not known as big spenders.
However, with free agency on the horizon and a championship-caliber roster already in town, the Pacers should be willing to throw more money at marquee free agents than usual.
Starting center and defensive anchor Myles Turner will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and after playing a massive role in Indiana's success, he is expected to be one of the most coveted free agents this summer. In order to keep him, the Pacers might have to slip above the luxury tax, which they have historically been reluctant to do.
However, with their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years, they should be willing to make an exception for the longest-tenured player on the roster.
"After reaching the NBA Finals, Indiana now appears primed to enter the tax for the first time in nearly two decades as it looks to retain core pieces and solidify its roster for another deep postseason push," league insider Grant Anfseth predicted.
Anfseth also listed the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks as realistic landing spots for Turner in free agency, although with the Pacers positioned to enter next season as Finals favorites, shelling out more cash than usual to keep Turner should (and will) be a priority.
While the Pistons and Hawks are up-and-coming teams, the Pacers have already made the Finals, and if all three teams offer the same amount of money, then Indiana has a clear advantage when it comes to luring Turner back.
Other key players like Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam, Obi Toppin, and Tyrese Haliburton are all under contract for the next few seasons.
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