In a surprising twist that sheds new light on Myles Turner’s recent free agency saga, sources close to the situation reveal that the Indiana Pacers never offered the star center more than \$12 million annually in their contract negotiations. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers—long rumored to be interested in Turner—ultimately walked away from discussions due to their unwillingness to cross the luxury tax threshold
Despite Turner’s strong contributions over multiple seasons, including his elite shot-blocking and improved three-point shooting, the Pacers opted for a conservative financial stance. According to sources familiar with the talks, Indiana’s best offer hovered around \$12 million per year—well below what many league insiders believed Turner could command on the open market.
Turner, 28, had reportedly hoped to stay in Indiana under the right circumstances. But with the Pacers prioritizing cap flexibility and a youth movement centered around Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, the front office appeared unwilling to commit big money to a veteran big man, even one as defensively impactful as Turner.
The Los Angeles Lakers, long rumored to be intrigued by Turner as a potential frontcourt partner for Anthony Davis, explored sign-and-trade options and other avenues. However, league sources indicate that the Lakers ultimately pulled back, unwilling to exceed the luxury tax line—a hard stance that surprised some around the league, especially considering LeBron James’ age and the team’s current win-now window.
This decision is expected to generate backlash among Lakers fans, who have been clamoring for frontcourt help after a disappointing playoff exit. The move also signals a more fiscally cautious approach from Lakers management amid rising tax penalties and a tightening collective bargaining agreement.
Turner now finds himself in a unique position: a proven two-way big man still on the market amid limited cap space across the league. Some analysts believe he may seek a short-term deal with a contender to reset his value, while others suggest a sign-and-trade to a cap-strapped team remains on the table.
Wherever he lands, one thing is clear: Turner’s market value may not have aligned with the current economic climate of the NBA, particularly for teams wary of luxury tax penalties.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story
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