Pacers Star Linked to New Career Decision Amid NBA Finals originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Indiana Pacers are in the midst of their first NBA finals since 1999-2000 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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The series is tied at 1-1 as they head home to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for Games 3 and 4. Indiana was unable to win Game 2 after winning Thursday’s Game 1 111-110.
Starting center Myles Turner scored 16 points and grabbed four rebounds within 27 minutes of playing time by the end of Sunday’s game. Despite the rough statistics, the 29-year-old has been a key part of Indiana’s recent success throughout the postseason.
He averaged 13.0 points and 3.2 rebounds per game to help his team defeat the New York Knicks 4-2 in the Eastern Conference finals. He averaged 15.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in the regular season on 52.2 percent field goal percentage.
Turner shot 38.9 percent from three-point range to showcase his proficiency for stretching the floor at the center position. Due to this, he has gained considerable attention from two franchises looking to sign him this offseason once his two-year $40.9 million deal expires, according to RG NBA Insider and Reporter Grant Afseth.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (center) celebrates with forward Aaron Nesmith (23) and center Myles Turner (33).© David Richard-Imagn Images
Afseth wrote that the Pacers have interest in re-signing Turner, but the Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons are also expected to pursue him. If he signs with Detroit, Turner could make for an interesting pairing alongside guard Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson to stretch the floor on offense.
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Turner’s rebounding ability can also help elevate the Pistons’ defense, which struggled last season. Meanwhile, if he joins Atlanta’s roster, that could also be intriguing, especially if he plays alongside rising sophomore Zaccharie Risacher and Most Improved Player of the Year Dyson Daniels.
The Hawks’ offense and defense ranked in the bottom half of the league, but that could change if Turner is brought in to anchor the interior. Both teams might try to fight for Turner. Alternatively, he could decide to stay in Indiana if the Pacers win their first championship in team history this season.
The Pacers and Thunder are back in action for Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday from Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 8:30 p.m. EST on ABC.
Related: NBA Had One Word for Tyrese Haliburton Amid Playoff Success
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.