NBA speculation points to internal friction among Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers, despite low expectations after their Eastern Conference Finals appearance, surprisingly reached the NBA Finals in the 2024-25 season, their first since 2000. However, they failed to win the championship, with Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles tear cited as a major factor.

In a significant roster move, star center Myles Turner departed in free agency, signing a four-year, $107 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Both Turner's decision to leave the Pacers and his choice of the Bucks as his destination were considered shocking within NBA circles.

Speculation from an Eastern Conference scout and Clutch Points' Brett Siegel suggests potential internal friction within the Pacers organization might have contributed to Turner's departure. The decision not to retain Turner on a fair contract is viewed as potentially devastating for Indiana's future, especially with Haliburton confirmed to miss the entire upcoming 2025-26 regular season due to his Achilles rehab.

With Haliburton sidelined, the Pacers are not expected to contend for another Finals appearance soon. The report concludes that while winning resolves issues, losing can create friction, making the Pacers a team to watch closely in the coming season.