The Indiana Pacers face significant challenges following their loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Championship, particularly with player Tyrese Haliburton’s injury complicating their prospects. If the Pacers had lost in Game 6, Haliburton might have had time to recover from a tense calf instead of suffering a torn Achilles in Game 7. Consequently, Miles Turner has left the Pacers to join division rival Milwaukee Bucks on a four-year, $107 million deal, marking the end of his decade-long tenure with Indianapolis.
Turner’s departure is a major blow to the Pacers, who had built their roster around Haliburton since acquiring him in 2022. The team’s ownership initially planned to pay luxury taxes for the first time in two decades but changed course following Haliburton’s injury. The Pacers offered Turner about $23 million per year, less than the $27 million he received from Milwaukee, which intensified the sting of losing their longest-tenured player.
Looking ahead, the Pacers have limited options and may struggle without Haliburton. They’ve recently signed center Tony Bradley but are also considering re-engaging with DeAndre Ayton, now a free agent after a trade to the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton could fit the Pacers’ needs as they seek to strengthen their roster against Eastern Conference rivals like the Bucks, especially after losing Turner.
The Pacers must navigate a challenging season with a likely step back in their performance, facing a competitive landscape without their star players.
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