Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner has caught the eye of the Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons as NBA free agency approaches, though many expect him to stay put in Indiana.
“There is a strong sentiment among various league executives that Turner will re-sign with Indiana,” Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported Sunday.
Money won’t be a small matter in these negotiations.
“Cap strategists are projecting his salary to land in the $30 million range in terms of average annual value. However…We’ve been told to monitor at least one team as a potential suitor for Turner on the open market: Detroit.”
ESPN’s Shams Charania added on NBA Countdown that Turner could receive a “massive payday” this offseason, but there’s “mutual interest” in keeping him with the Pacers.
The Hawks are also in the mix, according to Grant Afseth of RG Media.
“The Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks are among the teams interested in Turner ahead of free agency, sources tell RG, as both teams look to bolster their frontcourts,” Afseth wrote.
Atlanta’s interest makes sense since their veteran centers Clint Capela and Larry Nance Jr. are headed for unrestricted free agency.
What’s at stake for the Pacers?
Turner is finishing up a two-year, $40.9 million contract according to Spotrac. The 6-foot-11 big man becomes a free agent this summer if he and the Pacers can’t work out an extension.
Money shouldn’t be the issue. Indiana’s ownership has signaled they’re willing to pay the luxury tax to “keep this core together” and make a championship run, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
The Pacers have a key advantage in negotiations – they hold Turner’s bird rights. This means they can offer him any amount up to his maximum salary if they’re willing to pay the luxury tax that comes with it.
Turner has been really solid for Indiana this season. In 72 regular-season games, he averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in just over 30 minutes per game.
His shooting has been impressive for a big man – 48.1% from the field and nearly 40% from beyond the arc.
Turner finished third in the NBA in total blocks (144) this season, trailing only rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama (176) and Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez (148).
With the Pacers’ surprising playoff run this year, keeping their defensive anchor might be worth every penny of that potential $30 million per year deal.
