Here’s the latest: Myles Turner—the cornerstone of the Pacers’ defense—has publicly **confirmed he wants to return** to Indiana. This comes directly on the heels of his recent free agency decision, signaling that he’s eager to stay with the franchise that drafted him ([basketnews.com][1]).
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### Key Points
* **Turner’s wishes are clear**
The 29‑year‑old shot‑blocking specialist, coming off a 15.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG season, expressed a strong desire to remain in Indiana after his two‑year, \$40.9 million deal expired ([fantasydata.com][2]).
* **Pacers’ #1 priority**
Coach Rick Carlisle emphasized re‑signing Turner as the team’s top summer move. Indiana built its Finals‑run defense around his rim protection and spacing ([basketnews.com][1]).
* **Mutual interest and cap flexibility**
With both sides reportedly keen, Pacers management is preparing to exceed the luxury tax for the first time in decades to keep their core intact, including matched interest to negotiate a multi‑year deal ([clutchpoints.com][3]).
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### What It Means for the Pacers
Retaining Turner would preserve the team’s 50‑win identity and elite defensive structure that carried them to the Finals. His return also stabilizes long‑term roster planning around Haliburton and Siakam, anchoring the frontcourt with a rare 3‑and‑D big.
Stay tuned as negotiations progress—it’s a pivotal offseason for Indiana.
Let me know if you’d like deeper contract analysis or projections on how this affects their championship odds!
