Pacers Sign 23-Year-Old Center to $21 Million Contract to Address Glaring Need After Myles Turner’s Shocking Bucks Move

The Indiana Pacers have made a significant offseason move by re-signing center Isaiah Jackson to a three-year, $21 million contract, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania via the player's agents. This decision comes after the departure of franchise cornerstone Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks and with star guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season.

Jackson's signing represents a major gamble for the Pacers, as the 23-year-old missed most of the 2024-25 season due to a torn Achilles tendon suffered in November 2024. Despite this injury history, the organization expressed confidence in Jackson's development and potential, viewing him as a young core member to build around.

When healthy during the 2023-24 season, Jackson showed promise with averages of 6.4 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block in just 13 minutes per game. The center originally joined Indiana via a five-team trade after being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers.

Turner's departure ends a 10-year era with the Pacers that culminated in the franchise's first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. Reports indicate Turner left after rejecting what he perceived as a lowball offer of $23 million annually from Indiana, instead signing a four-year, $108.9 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.

In an emotional farewell message, Turner reflected on his decade-long journey with the Pacers, noting they experienced "the highest of highs and some of the toughest lows" together, from lottery seasons to playoff battles and their recent finals run. He emphasized that these experiences shaped him and created lasting memories.