The Indiana Pacers had a remarkable playoff journey, overcoming the top-seeded Cavaliers and the Knicks, ultimately reaching the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

However, their championship aspirations were derailed in Game 7 due to Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles injury, which significantly altered the team's trajectory.

In the wake of Haliburton's injury, the Pacers began to reassess their financial strategies, particularly concerning the re-signing of Myles Turner, the team's longest-tenured player.

The franchise hesitated to offer Turner a fair contract, apprehensive about the luxury tax implications for the upcoming season, as Haliburton's injury shifted their outlook on the team's future.

Despite expectations that Turner would remain loyal to the Pacers, he surprised many by signing a four-year, $107 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Turner's new contract, averaging approximately $26.75 million per season, was viewed as reasonable, especially considering the Pacers' reluctance to meet his financial demands.

Turner's departure marks a strategic pivot for the Pacers, who are now prioritizing flexibility over commitment to their current roster, despite being just one injury away from a potential championship.

In light of Turner's exit and Haliburton's injury, the Pacers received a first-round pick from the Pelicans, which now holds greater potential value, indicating a more uncertain future for the franchise.

This situation mirrors that of the Boston Celtics, who also made significant roster adjustments following Jayson Tatum's injury, reflecting a broader trend in the NBA where teams are increasingly cautious about financial commitments post-injury.