Myles Turner looks to be betting on himself

Myles Turner’s contract extension with the Indiana Pacers (2yrs/60mil) is simply brilliant: one of the rare instances in which both parties feel they got the better deal. The Pacers no longer have to worry about losing Turner in free agency. In addition, they can still trade him while on this team-friendly contract extension. On the other hand, Myles Turner and his representation are being strategic with this move. In signing a shorter-term contract, Turner is betting on himself. By retaining future flexibility, he can potentially ink a larger contract in two summers. However, as we’ve seen over the years, betting on yourself does not always work out.

From the Pacers’ side, this deal is nothing short of incredible. In signing this contract extension, the Pacers utilized $17 million in dead money, as the team is well below the luxury tax, to avoid losing Turner for nothing. They can trade him in the summer if they prefer; as the NBA salary cap inevitably rises in the next two seasons, this deal will only get sweeter for Indiana. As first reported by Shams Charania of the Atheltic, here is the specific breakdown of Turner’s extension:

The extensive history of Myles Turner trade rumors

Rumors have swirled around the big man’s availability since 2018, making Myles Turner’s contract extension seem all the more unlikely. During that year’s draft, the Pacers rejected offers for Turner, with ESPN’s Zach Lowe reporting that the team would continue to hear offers. The following summer reports emerged from Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe regarding a potential sign and trade between the Pacers and Celtics. The notoriously stingy Danny Ainge, GM of the Celtics at the time, did not act on the offer. Ainge wanted T.J. Warren included in the deal rather than Doug McDermott.

The Pacers’ relationship with Myles Turner was at an all-time low in 2021. In December of that season, Myles Turner had this to say in an interview with Jared Weiss of the Athletic:

“It’s clear that I’m not valued as anything more than a glorified role player here, and I want something more, more opportunity.” – Myles Turner

Turner cited that following a 40-point performance against the Washington Wizards during that season, he received just 16 minutes the following game: scoring four points. With recent acquisitions of Malcolm Brogond, Caris LeVert, and Domanatas Sabonis, Turner felt his development was on the back burner. Rumors continued to swirl in the summer of 2021. Per the Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, the Warriors discussed packaging James Wiseman or Andrew Wiggins in a Turner deal. Like previous years, however, nothing came of the discussions. This is a testament to how Andrew Wiggins’ trade value skyrocketed after winning a championship with Golden State.

How Myles Turner found a home in Indiana

The catalyst for Myles Turner’s recent success with Indiana and his unlikely decision to resign despite years of uncertainty was the transaction that occurred on February 9th of 2022.

This deal was a blockbuster. Critics and fans alike ripped into the Kings for trading Haliburton instead of Fox while praising Indiana. Still, many were shocked to learn that the Pacers had dealt Sabonis rather than Turner. One year removed from this trade, Kings’ GM Monty McNair earned an extension for his team’s success. Given the teams’ differing circumstances, it is safe to assume both parties would do the deal again if given a chance.

The Pacers’ future is bright.

This season, Myles Turner has scored a career-high 17.5 ppg and 7.9 rebs on 54.4% shooting. Tyrese Haliburton has flourished in Indiana: shilling out a league-best 10.2 assists per game. From a designated tanking team to trade market buyers in a matter of weeks, the team’s improvement is undeniable. Since starting the season 23-18, however, the team has lost 10 of their last 11 games, with Haliburton missing time.

The Pacers’ immediate future is bright, something that could not have been said in September. The same should be noted for Myles Turner as well. With a young core of Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, some ‘middle-aged’ NBA studs in Buddy Hield and Myles Turner, and tons of cap space, the Pacers are poised to make a jump in the east next year.