The Indiana Pacers enjoyed their most successful season in a decade in 2023-24. Despite entering the NBA Playoffs as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Pacers made it all the way to the conference finals for the first time since 2014.
Despite getting swept by the eventual champion Boston Celtics, Pacers fans should be happy with their team’s success. Furthermore, it appears the team’s front office feels the same way as the Pacers had a relatively quiet offseason this summer and essentially decided to run it back again next season.
However, with the landscape of the Eastern Conference already looking drastically different than it did a few months ago, it would be no surprise if the Pacers made a few moves during the 2024-25 season to stay in contention. Here are two Pacers who could find a new home by the end of next season.
2. Myles Turner
Simply put, it seems unlikely the Pacers would move on from Myles Turner, who has spent his entire nine-year NBA career with the team up to this point. He is a fan favorite and played an integral role in the team’s Eastern Conference Finals run last season.
However, Turner is set to hit unrestricted free agency next summer. Furthermore, due to the nature of the two-year contract extension he signed last year, the two sides cannot legally agree to another extension before he hits free agency.
Turner has played an important role on the Pacers since the team drafted him, and it is fair to assume he wants to remain with the team for the long run now that they are contending again. Ultimately, a reunion next summer would make sense for both sides.
However, if the Pacers get the sense that Turner does not want to return next offseason, or the team is failing to contend for a second straight season, trading him during the season instead of losing him for nothing could be a serious option.
1. T.J. McConnell
Much like Turner, veteran guard T.J. McConnell is considered a big-time fan favorite in Indiana. Since joining the team in 2019, the Pennsylvania native has developed a reputation as a pesky and gritty player who can provide a spark off the bench. However, McConnell is also set to hit unrestricted free agency next season.
Fortunately, the Pacers reportedly view McConnell as an important part of their roster and want to keep him around. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the two sides were working towards a contract extension as of June.
"The Pacers are working to extend T.J. McConnell. That is someone they want around for the long haul, no question."
– Shams Charania via .@PatMcAfeeShow pic.twitter.com/JH7I4k9W5p
— csb (@itsCSB__) June 21, 2024
However, over a month later, no updates have been announced, and McConnell is still on pace to play next season on an expiring contract.
Additionally, after the team recently extended breakout guard Andrew Nembhard’s contract, his new deal could spell doom for the 32-year-old’s time in Indiana. Despite playing the best basketball of his career during last season’s playoff run, much like Nembhard did, McConnell will likely not see a larger role on the team and could pursue a better opportunity as a free agent next summer.
If the two sides can come to terms on a new contract by the end of next season, then they should absolutely commit to it. However, if they are unable to do so, McConnell could find himself a new home in 2025.
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