Reports: Myles Turner is eligible for huge raise after exploring new deal options with Indiana Pacers
Myles Turner was a hot topic in the trade market to start the year, but it appears things might be starting to change. According to recent reports, his tenure in Indiana could go beyond this season.
Through 26 games, Turner is in the midst of a career year. He is posting his highest scoring average (16.7 points per game), along with 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks a night. On top of this, the 26-year-old is also posting a career-best 41.7% from beyond the arc.
This impressive start has the Pacers considering all options with Turner. Per Shams Charania of The Atheltic, the two sides have begun conversations on a new deal. If the Pacers want, they can restructure his deal and give the young center a massive payday this season.
"The Pacers have the ability to reach a renegotiation-and-extension with Turner due to currently having roughly $25 million in salary cap space," Charania reported. "The Pacers can offer Turner up to $19.1 million more this year on top of his $18 million salary to get him to his individual max of $37.1 million for the 2022-23 season alone."
Currently, Indiana (16-16) sits in eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Pacers, Myles Turner open contract extension talks, per sources. Details at @TheAthletic on how Indiana can give its center up to $19 million in additional salary this season alone: theathletic.com/4031652/2022/1…
Should the Indiana Pacers give Myles Turner a contract extension?
There is no denying that Myles Turner is off to a scorching-hot start, but the Indiana Pacers have to keep the long view in mind. They might be in a playoff spot now, but they are years away from being a legitimate competitive team.
Finding the cornerstone pieces is crucial in a rebuild, and the Pacers have done that. Tyrese Haliburtion and Bennedict Mathurin are two blue-chip prospects who have a ton of potential. However, they are 22 and 20 years old, respectively.
With two young pieces, Indiana has to be thinking about being good three to five years from now when this duo is entering its prime. Given that Turner is at his peak now, his timeline does not match up with the current direction of the roster.
Instead of extending Myles Turner, the Pacers should be looking to capitalize on his strong start. In reality, there is a scenario where all parties can walk away winners.
There are multiple contenders who could benefit from Turner's defense and floor spacing. That being said, Indiana has a chance to collect more assets for its rebuild while sending Turner somewhere that can give him an opportunity to win right now.