Myles Turner contract: Pacers' new $30M deal for star center may trigger rare luxury tax bill

Myles Turner and the Indiana Pacers have “mutual interest” in working out a new deal in the offseason, per NBA insider Shams Charania. The big man and the team could not reach one in the previous months, allowing Turner to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 NBA Finals. Turner’s stint in free agency might not be long following the reported plan to give him a lucrative extension.

Evan Sidery tweeted ahead of Game 2 on Sunday:

Evan Sidery

@esidery

The Pacers will re-sign Myles Turner to a new long-term contract and go into the luxury tax for the first time in 20 years, per @ShamsCharania

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Turner will likely earn around $30 million annually on his new contract with Indiana.

Turner is in the books this season for $19.9 million, making the reported $30 million per year deal the most lucrative in his NBA career. The Indiana Pacers were willing to enter the luxury tax level to allow the team to contend for championships in future years, according to Charania.

Per Spotrac, the Pacers have 11 players signed for the 2025-26 season before the Myles Turner deal. Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton top the list with $45.5 million each. Turner's expected $30 million deal pushes him to third place ahead of the $18 million of Andrew Nembhard.

Once Turner signs, the Pacers shoot into the luxury tax level and put them $9 million off the punishing second apron.

Turner has been a staple in trade rumors over the past few years. Despite that, he has helped the team become legitimate championship contenders. After losing to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals last year, they are now three wins from a title.

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Myles Turner's clutch Game 1 performance helped the Pacers to a 1-0 series lead

The Thunder pushed their advantage to 94-79 after Jalen Williams turned a Pacers turnover into an uncontested dunk on the other end. Instead of wilting, Indiana responded with an onslaught from deep behind Myles Turner and Obi Toppin. The former went 2-for-3 while the latter converted 2 of 2 attempts from behind the arc.

Turner's mid-range jumper pushed the Pacers to within 100-96 with 5:42 left. The big man impacted the game not only with his shooting. He anchored the defense that allowed the visiting team to rally for a 111-110 win.