Myles Turner Headlines 2025's Most Intriguing Center Market
Let’s talk about one of the biggest stories emerging from the 2025 NBA free agency — and it’s centered (pun intended) around a name that’s been the backbone of Indiana basketball for nearly a decade: Myles Turner. If you’re an NBA fan, or more specifically a Pacers fan, this moment feels monumental. Turner isn’t just hitting the open market — he’s stepping into it as arguably the top starting-caliber big man available. Not a max-contract guy, sure, but easily the best among the non-superstar options. And this has the potential to become one of the more fascinating free agency negotiations of the summer.
Turner’s situation is layered. He’s an unrestricted free agent, meaning he has full autonomy over his next move. The Pacers, meanwhile, are coming off their most promising season in a quarter-century and are dangerously close to brushing up against the luxury tax apron. The dilemma is clear: pay Turner what he's arguably worth — somewhere in the range of $25 to $30 million a year — or risk breaking apart a squad that looks ready to contend.
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BORD$, the analytics model being used to evaluate free agents, has Turner valued at just over $31 million. While it’s unlikely any team will hand him that number — especially since there aren't many franchises with significant cap space to spend — that figure sets a tone. It tells Indiana what it might take to lock him in long term. We're talking possibly three years in the $75 to $80 million range. Sounds fair on paper. But the challenge? That price tag could push Indiana into tax territory for the first time ever — and that’s before even considering extensions for other young stars like Bennedict Mathurin.
Let’s not forget: Turner is eligible for a no-trade clause, though most believe he won’t have enough leverage to demand one. Still, the fact that it’s even a discussion point tells you how significant this moment is for both player and franchise.
If you’re Indiana, the pressure’s on. You’ve built a team around Tyrese Haliburton, Turner’s defense and shooting versatility, and a solid young core. The city is energized, the fanbase hopeful, and for once, the franchise has real playoff aspirations. So if you’re not willing to cross into the luxury tax for that — for the most successful team you’ve had in 25 years — then you really have to ask, what are you waiting for?
Turner isn’t just another solid big man on the market. He’s the longest-tenured Pacer, the defensive anchor, and a consistent presence in the locker room. If Indiana lets him walk or underplays their hand, the ripple effects will be felt far beyond the stat sheet.
So yeah, this free agency class is loaded with centers. But make no mistake — all eyes are on Myles Turner.
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