Pacers GM Opens Up on Myles Turner's Future In Indiana

He was the subject of trade rumors for a couple of seasons, but Myles Turner and the Indiana Pacers surprised everyone by agreeing to a two-year, $40 million extension in 2023. Now, with Turner set to be a free agent after the 2024-25 season, those trade rumors will undoubtedly make the rounds once again.

But Pacers GM Chad Buchanan is doing his best to put any trade talk about Turner to rest, for good.

Pacers GM Chad Buchanan said today they want Myles Turner to remain in Indiana long-term.

Turner is ineligible to sign an extension after agreeing to a contract renegotiation in 2023.

Indiana views Turner as the ideal third piece alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. pic.twitter.com/xgNbJXRFXv
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) September 24, 2024

The GM said on Tuesday that they want Turner to remain in Indiana long-term. He calls the 7-foot floor-spacing big man "the ideal third piece alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam."

Pacers start training camp next week.

GM Chad Buchanan speaking today.

Buchanan on the upcoming contract year for Myles Turner: pic.twitter.com/a4Fy37rU90
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) September 24, 2024

"We're a big believer in Myles... He's a big part of our identity... The way he complements both those guys, it's hard to find somebody in the league that'd be better."

Because his current contract is for only two seasons, Turner is not eligible to sign an extension this season, and therefore will become a free agent at the end of the campaign. But it doesn't sound like the Pacers are willing to let him go.

Turner, entering his 10th season in Indiana, is set to become just the fifth player in franchise history to spend 10+ years with the organization, joining Reggie Miller, Jeff Foster, Rik Smits, and Vern Fleming.

Last season, he averaged 17 points per game along with 6.9 rebounds and 1.9 block shots to go along with a 35.8% mark from beyond the arc.