The Indiana Pacers find themselves in a tough spot this morning, grappling with the aftermath of a devastating loss that didn’t unfold quite as they had hoped. Imagine if they had faced the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, only to watch that team celebrate on their home court. That heart-wrenching scenario might have softened the blow compared to what actually happened: losing in Game 7 on the road, compounded by Tyrese Haliburton’s tragic Achilles tear just minutes into that game.
In this alternate reality, Haliburton would have had the luxury of time to heal, potentially avoiding a more severe injury and allowing Myles Turner to remain with the team. Instead, the Pacers said goodbye to the centerpiece of their franchise as Turner decided to join the Milwaukee Bucks on a lucrative four-year, $107 million deal. While Turner’s departure was unexpected, it wasn’t wholly unforeseen given his tenure in trade talks and an underwhelming performance in the finals.
What stings even more is the fact that Turner is heading to a division rival. The Bucks haven’t just run into the Pacers on the court; they’ve been embroiled in a fierce competition that has intensified over the past couple of seasons. After Indiana edged out Milwaukee in the playoffs this year, the rivalry flared when Haliburton’s father celebrated triumphantly on the court, getting an icy reception from Giannis Antetokounmpo. The stakes are high; both teams are jockeying for position in a loaded Eastern Conference, and Milwaukee just implemented a bold strategy to secure Turner, waving and restructuring Damian Lillard’s hefty contract in the process.
This acquisition marks a significant financial commitment for the Bucks, who will now pay Turner a hefty annual figure while also managing Lillard’s lingering dead money following his own Achilles injury. With nearly $50 million per season tied up in one center position, it’s a gamble that reflects Milwaukee’s urgency to remain competitive.
For Indiana, the loss of Turner is nothing short of a crisis. Not only did he hold the title of the franchise’s longest-tenured player, but he also encapsulated the emotional and competitive journey of the team this season. Turner shared that the stress he felt during the finals affected him deeply, yet he emerged as a valuable leader who lifted the team during challenging times. Pacers’ head coach Rick Carlisle had made it clear that retaining Turner was a priority. His support for Turner highlighted the evolving dynamics of a franchise aiming to build a contender.
However, everything shifted dramatically after Haliburton’s injury. What had been a commitment to pay the luxury tax for the first time in two decades hinged on a player who generates momentum and energy for the team. The Pacers had a well-laid plan, surrounding Haliburton with players who complemented his skills and set them up for a competitive window through the 2026-27 season. But Haliburton’s absence alters everything, rendering the franchise more hesitant to commit to financial obligations without a clear path forward.
Currently, the team has only Tony Bradley as the center for next season, a fleeting glimpse of the future. The Pacers could explore trades to bolster their roster, potentially looking at restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin to facilitate discussions. A flicker of hope remains in the form of Deandre Ayton, who was once courted aggressively when he was a restricted free agent. With Ayton now available after being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, he presents an interesting option as a rim-running center to fill the void left by Turner.
However, there’s no denying that Ayton comes with his own challenges. The Pacers’ coaching staff, particularly Carlisle, demands a high level of professionalism and commitment from their players. If Ayton is going to fit in, he’ll need to prove he can thrive in a structured environment that aspires for greatness, especially given that the Pacers will undoubtedly be seeking a significant upgrade in the center position to rebound from this tumultuous offseason.
Indiana isn’t about to be pushed aside without a fight. While they may not be poised for another trip to the Eastern Conference Finals just yet, the organization remains steadfast in its pursuit of talent and competitive resilience, ensuring that they will continue to battle, especially against their formidable rival, Milwaukee.
