Pacers staring down critical free agency decision with staple Myles Turner
INDIANAPOLIS — None of the Knicks' starters are headed for free agency this summer, but the Pacers will have to make a decision on whether to retain one of their longtime staples: starting center Myles Turner.
The 10-year career Pacer will become an unrestricted free agent once Indiana's playoff run ends and his $19.9 million-per-year contract expires.
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The Pacers hope to keep Turner, and ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported last week that 'ownership has indicated a willingness to increase spending next season and potentially reenter the luxury tax to keep this core together.'
The 29-year-old Turner was held to five points and two rebounds Thursday in Indiana's Game 5 loss to the Knicks after he'd averaged 15.5 points on 53.7 percent shooting over the first four games of the Eastern Conference Finals, with Game 6 slated for Saturday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Myles Turner dunks the ball during the Pacers' game against the Knicks on May 23.
Jason Szenes for the NY Post
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Turner averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 boards and two blocked shots per game in 72 appearances this season, while shooting a career-high 39.6 percent from 3-point range.
All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton is signed through 2029 after landing an extension worth up to $260 million in 2023.
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Myles Turner grabs a rebound during the Pacers' game against the Knicks on May 21.
Jason Szenes for the NY Post
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Fellow starters Pascal Siakam (2028), Andrew Nembhard (2028) and Aaron Nesmith (2027) all are under contract for multiple seasons, according to Spotrac.
As for exceeding the luxury tax to re-sign the 6-foot-11 Turner, Windhorst also reported earlier in the series that 'rival teams remain skeptical at this point, having for generations seen the Pacers make decisions to avoid the tax penalty, as they monitor the Turner situation.
But internally, the Pacers are hoping to be able to keep him without sacrificing their outstanding depth.'
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Veteran guard T.J. McConnell and former Knicks forward Obi Toppin also are signed through 2028, and former lottery pick Bennedict Mathurin is eligible for an extension this summer after the team picked up his $9.18 million option for next season.
Turner's current backup, Thomas Bryant, also will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the team holds a $2.9 million option on reserve big man Tony Bradley.
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