It looks like the Indiana Pacers might try and rebound from the loss of Myles Turner by signing the top center left on the NBA free agent market: Deandre Ayton.
The Pacers fan base was hit with a major shot to the breadbasket on Tuesday when it was reported that division rivals the Milwaukee Bucks had surprisingly come to terms on a four-year deal with team great Myles Turner.
With top star Tyrese Haliburton already expected to miss all of next season, Turner’s departure was a massive blow to their chances of even competing for a playoff spot next season. Well, it seems the organization won’t punt on 2025-26 and is willing to pay to keep the team competitive next season.
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“Sources say that the Pacers have, however, registered interest in Ayton. Don’t forget that the contract Ayton just terminated through his Blazers buyout was a four-year, $133 offer sheet that he originally signed with Indiana in July 2022 as a Phoenix Suns restricted free agent.”
NBA insider Jake Fischer
- Deandre Ayton stats (2024-25): 40G, 14.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.0 BPG
Ayton surprisingly entered 2025 NBA free agency when the Portland Trail Blazers decided to buy out the final year left on his contract. With him set to be paid $25.5 million from his former team, Ayton could take a team-friendly deal with Indiana this summer in the hopes of improving his value for a return to free agency next year.
However, it must be noted that Fischer believes the Los Angeles Lakers are the current favorites to land the former Phoenix Suns star.
While Ayton is not the offensive player Turner is and can’t stretch the floor, he is an elite rebounder, especially on the offensive boards. He would have been an even better fit with Haliburton if he were available next season. Nevertheless, he would still be a very good addition for the Pacers if they could sign him in free agency.
