Pacers’ Future in Question After Haliburton Injury, Turner’s move to Bucks
The Indiana Pacers face an uncertain future after a devastating injury to Tyrese Haliburton in Game 7 of the NBA Finals and the subsequent departure of Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks [[1]]. What seemed like a promising championship window has been clouded by unforeseen circumstances,leaving the Pacers to reassess their strategy.
Turner’s Exit to Milwaukee Shakes Up the Eastern Conference
Myles Turner, a long-time Pacer, agreed to a four-year, $107 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, a move that substantially strengthens Milwaukee and weakens Indiana. The Bucks, determined to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference, made bold financial moves to acquire Turner, including waiving and stretching Damian Lillard’s contract. This unprecedented move will cost the Bucks nearly $50 million per season through 2028-29 for Turner’s position, factoring in dead money for Lillard.
Did You Know? Stretching a contract allows a team to spread a player’s remaining salary over twice the remaining years of the contract, plus one. This reduces the immediate cap hit but creates dead money on the books for a longer period.
Turner’s departure marks the end of a decade-long tenure with the Pacers, during which he openly discussed his mental health struggles and ultimately emerged as a key member of a Finals team. Coach Rick Carlisle had publicly stated that re-signing Turner was the franchise’s top priority. however, Haliburton’s injury altered the team’s trajectory and, ultimately, their willingness to invest heavily in the roster.
Haliburton’s Injury changes Everything
the Achilles tendon tear suffered by Tyrese Haliburton in Game 7 of the NBA Finals proved to be a pivotal moment for the Pacers. Prior to the injury, Pacers ownership was prepared to pay the luxury tax for the first time in 20 years, building meticulously around Haliburton’s playmaking abilities. The team had constructed a two- to three-year window of contention, signing key players through the 2026-27 season. Though,Haliburton’s injury has significantly diminished their chances of competing at a high level in the immediate future.
without Haliburton, turner struggled to find the same open looks and effectiveness on the court. The Pacers’ offer to Turner reportedly topped out at around $23 million per year, less than the $27 million he received from Milwaukee. The financial implications of paying the luxury tax for a team less likely to contend factored into the decision not to match Milwaukee’s offer.
Pacers Explore Options to Fill the Void at Center
With Turner gone, the Pacers currently have only Tony Bradley signed to play center next season. Thay may explore trade options or pursue free agents to fill the void. One potential target is Deandre Ayton, who is available as an unrestricted free agent after being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers. The Pacers previously offered Ayton a four-year, $133 million offer sheet in 2022 when he was a restricted free agent with the Phoenix Suns.
Pro Tip: the non-taxpayer mid-level exception (MLE) allows teams that are over the salary cap, but not over the luxury tax apron, to sign free agents up to a certain salary amount. For the 2025-26 season, the non-taxpayer MLE is $14.1 million.
While Ayton presents a potential solution, he also comes with challenges.He would need to demonstrate improved maturity and consistency to earn starter’s minutes on a Pacers team with high aspirations. Coach Carlisle and the team’s veteran leaders will demand a strong commitment to professionalism and improvement.
Potential Impact on the 2025-2026 Season
The loss of Haliburton and Turner significantly impacts the Pacers’ outlook for the 2025-2026 season. While the team will strive to remain competitive, the most realistic expectation is that they will be a middle-of-the-pack team. The Pacers will need to find a reliable center and develop their young players to remain competitive in the Eastern conference,especially against a strengthened milwaukee Bucks team.
Key Player Movement
| Player | Previous Team | New Team |
|---|---|---|
| Myles Turner | Indiana Pacers | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Deandre Ayton | Portland Trail Blazers | Free Agent |
What moves should the Pacers make to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference? How will Haliburton’s injury impact the team’s long-term strategy?
the Evolution of the Pacers’ Roster
The Indiana Pacers have undergone important roster changes in recent years, aiming to build a team capable of contending for an NBA championship. The acquisition of Tyrese Haliburton in 2022 was a pivotal moment,as the Pacers sought to build around his playmaking abilities.The team’s commitment to surrounding haliburton with complementary players led to a promising Finals appearance in 2025. Though, injuries and free agency decisions have forced the Pacers to reassess their strategy and explore new avenues for building a competitive roster. The team’s ability to adapt and make strategic moves will be crucial in their pursuit of future success.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pacers’ Future
- What is the pacers’ biggest need after losing Myles Turner?
- The Pacers’ most pressing need is to find a reliable center who can provide rim protection, rebounding, and offensive contributions. They need a player who can complement their existing core and help them remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
- How will Tyrese Haliburton’s injury affect the Pacers’ timeline?
- Haliburton’s Achilles injury significantly alters the Pacers’ timeline. His recovery will be lengthy, and the team’s ability to compete at a high level in the short term is diminished. The Pacers may need to adjust their expectations and focus on developing their young players while Haliburton recovers.
- What are the Pacers’ options for replacing Turner at center?
- The Pacers have several options for replacing Turner, including pursuing free agents like Deandre Ayton, exploring trade opportunities, or developing their existing players. They could also use their non-taxpayer mid-level exception to sign a center in free agency.
- Will the Pacers consider a rebuild after these setbacks?
- While the Pacers may need to adjust their short-term expectations, they are unlikely to pursue a full rebuild.They have a young core of talented players and a commitment to building a competitive team. They will likely focus on making strategic moves to improve their roster and remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
- How does Myles turner’s move to the Bucks impact the Eastern Conference landscape?
- Turner’s move to the Bucks significantly strengthens Milwaukee and makes them an even greater threat in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks now have a formidable frontcourt with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner, making them a top contender for the NBA championship.
- What is the luxury tax and how does it affect the Pacers’ decisions?
- The luxury tax is a financial penalty imposed on NBA teams whose payroll exceeds a certain threshold. Teams that exceed the luxury tax threshold must pay a tax on every dollar they spend above the threshold. This can significantly impact a team’s ability to sign and retain players, as the Pacers experienced with Myles Turner.
- What role will Rick Carlisle play in the Pacers’ future?
- Rick Carlisle’s role will be crucial in the pacers’ future. He is a respected coach with a proven track record of developing players and building successful teams. His leadership and guidance will be essential as the Pacers navigate these challenges and strive to remain competitive.
