Just hours before Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Shams Charania dropped a Finals-weekend shocker—one that didn’t involve a buzzer-beater or a surprise lineup tweak, but rather, a financial and philosophical pivot inside the Pacers’ locker room. On NBA Countdown, Shams revealed what insiders have suspected for weeks: Indiana is ready to break tradition to keep its defensive cornerstone, Myles Turner. “We’re talking about someone who has the most blocks in Pacers’ franchise playoff history,” Shams said. “And Indiana wants to keep it that way.”
That means the rumors of Myles being shopped around are officially over. Instead, the Pacers are ready to do something they haven’t done in 20 years—they’re stepping into the luxury tax to keep their defensive anchor and longest-tenured player happy. “There’s mutual interest in getting a deal done,” Shams added, pointing out Indiana’s commitment to building around Turner and Tyrese Haliburton.
And Turner, who played a pivotal role in containing the Thunder’s offense in Game 1, is central to that plan. But drama didn’t end there: during Game 2, Turner suddenly checked out early and headed back to the Pacers’ locker room, a move that instantly sparked whispers and speculation. Though he’s back out on the floor now and the trade talks are dead, the intrigue is very much alive. As the Finals heat up, all eyes will be on Turner—not just for his blocks and rebounds, but for what comes next, both on and off the court.
Myles Turner just checked out of Game 2 and went back to the Pacers locker room.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) June 9, 2025
Only one way to find out what’s coming next! Keep an eye out for updates here.
(This is a developing story…)
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