Pacers Face Pivotal Trade Decision Before Myles Turner's Free Agency

Turner seeks a raise from his $19.9 million annual contract for the 2024-25 season. However, the Pacers face one glaring roadblock: the franchise aims to stay under the luxury tax and re-sign its starting center. 

Indiana's front office kept the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals team together following the re-signing of its free agents last summer. T.J. McConnell, Andrew Nembhard, Obi Toppin, and their All-Star Pascal Siakam. 

However, given the math, the Pacers reportedly aim to land $22 million under the luxury tax line. For Turner to get his raise, as a member of the Pacers, they must trade one of those aforementioned recently-signed players.

Of the players, outside of Siakam, Nembhard and Toppin would help ease off the luxury tax line but also net a future draft pick or at least a few role players in return to keep a competitive team.

The San Antonio Spurs were rumored to be interested in Nembhard's services. If the Spurs are curious, multiple teams could call Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan for the young combo guard with defensive capabilities.

Nembhard has three years left on his $58.6 million contract, which is reasonable given today's financial NBA earnings regarding players. 

If the Pacers wish to keep Turner and remain competitive in the Eastern Conference while netting a future asset, Nembhard is the key to such a goal.