Myles Turner, who spent a decade in Indiana and became the franchise’s all-time leader in blocked shots, agreed to a four-year, $107 million deal with Milwaukee—a move that stunned Pacers fans and NBA insiders alike.

The Pacers’ decision not to match the Bucks’ offer or exceed the luxury tax threshold has drawn criticism, especially considering Turner’s importance to their recent NBA Finals run and his desire to remain in Indiana.

The loss is compounded by the absence of star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is expected to miss the entire upcoming season recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in Game 7 of the Finals. With two franchise pillars sidelined or gone, Indiana faces a challenging road ahead.

The Immediate Response: Jay Huff and Internal Options

To address the void at center, the Pacers traded for Jay Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies, sending out a second-round pick and a future pick swap in return. Huff, a 7-footer known for his shot-blocking and three-point shooting, averaged 6.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, and nearly a block per game last season while shooting over 40% from deep in limited minutes. While not a star, Huff offers a skill set similar to Turner’s: rim protection and floor spacing.

Indiana is also expected to give more opportunities to young big men already on the roster, including Isaiah Jackson (who is recovering from his own Achilles injury), Tony Bradley, and possibly James Wiseman if he returns.

With the free agent market for centers thin and no clear blockbuster trade targets available, the Pacers may opt to experiment with these internal options, giving them a chance to prove themselves during what is likely to be a “gap year” for the franchise.

The Bigger Picture: Rebuilding and Looking Forward

The Pacers’ reluctance to pay Turner and the injury to Haliburton have shifted the team’s outlook for the 2025–26 season. Instead of contending at the top of the East, Indiana is expected to focus on development, evaluating young talent like Jarace Walker and Bennedict Mathurin, and maintaining roster flexibility for future moves.

The front office appears content to ride out a transitional season, potentially positioning the team for a high draft pick in 2026 and a stronger foundation once Haliburton returns.

While losing Turner is a significant blow—both on the court and in the locker room—the Pacers are not expected to tank outright. Instead, they will use this season to assess their young core and see if any unexpected contributors emerge. The acquisition of Jay Huff is a low-risk swing that could pay dividends if he adapts well to a larger role.