Myles Turner trade rumors have been the big talking point out of Indiana for the past few seasons. That includes ahead of this year’s trade deadline. His future with the Indiana Pacers has been a constant question, especially considering Turner’s contract was set to expire at the end of the 2022-23 season, making the talented center a free agent.
But, much like the story in each of the past few years, the Pacers’ front office isn’t ready to let go of their 6-foot-11 big man just yet. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pacers and Turner have agreed to a two-year, $60 million contract extension to keep the two-way player in town.
Except this contract is a bit unique in that it also has amended Turner’s 2022-23 earnings. Instead of making a total of $18 million this season, Turner will now rake in a whopping $35.1 million from the Pacers. It’s the largest in-season contract renegotiation in NBA history and makes Turner the highest-paid athlete in the NBA, at least this year.
In total, Turner will average $31.7 million starting this season, running through the 2024-25 league year. While he’s by far the highest-paid player on the Pacers, Turner doesn’t quite crack the list of the top 20 highest-paid players in the NBA, but he is now the fifth-highest-paid center in basketball, jumping ahead of Karl-Anthony Towns at $31.65 million.
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Myles Turner cashes in during career year
Turner’s contract year couldn’t have come at a better time for the 26-year-old Texas native. While he’s now in his eighth NBA season, Turner is in the midst of a career year. Turner is averaging new personal bests in scoring, rebounding, and shooting percentage.
What’s more, the Pacers are currently on track to reach the Eastern Conference Play-in tournament, giving them a shot at reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2019-20, and Turner’s veteran leadership and improved play have been a big reason why.
- Myles Turner stats in 2022-23: 17.5 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.4 BPG, 54% FG, 39% 3PT
Last season ahead of the trade deadline, we witnessed the Pacers clear some space in the frontcourt by trading Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings for Tyrese Haliburton. Sabonis has since become a longshot MVP candidate, helping position the Kings for a playoff run as well. Yet, Haliburton has also since broken out, leading the NBA in assists.
In the end, it’s hard to suggest the trade worked out badly for either team and in Turner’s case, it might have been just what he needed to cash in on a big payday from Indiana.
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