Pacers Ready to Pay Luxury Tax to Retain Myles Turner Before Bucks Deal

The Indiana Pacers were willing to exceed the luxury tax threshold to retain Myles Turner, their longtime starting center, but were ultimately outbid by the Milwaukee Bucks, who signed Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal. Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard emphasized that ownership, including Herb Simon and Steven Rales, was prepared to go deep into the tax to keep Turner, and that negotiations were conducted in good faith. The Bucks created the necessary cap space by waiving Damian Lillard, a move that surprised the Pacers and allowed Milwaukee to strengthen their frontcourt. Turner's departure is significant for Indiana, especially as star guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during the NBA Finals, leaving the Pacers in a challenging position for the 2025-26 season. Turner averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in the 2024-25 season, and his addition to Milwaukee is expected to bolster their championship aspirations. The Pacers have begun adjusting their roster, including acquiring Jay Huff, as they prepare to navigate their future without Turner.