Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder made history. Not only did they reach the NBA finals, but they have also become the teams that will be below the NBA luxury tax threshold. However, while that is quite an astonishing achievement, all that might soon change. According to the latest update, the Indiana Pacers might look to enter the luxury tax bracket.
In a recent update, NBA analyst Brian Windhorst opined that the Pacers are inclined toward the NBA luxury tax market. Now, this would mean a massive shift in the financial dynamics of the team. Till now, the Pacers have been known for being careful spenders. However, with their new motto, it is clear that they will be looking to take the necessary steps to enhance and maintain their current roster.
“From what I am told, the hope and belief and whatever is that ownership will greenlight them going a little bit into the tax for a little while,” said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
Brian Windhorst says the Pacers’ ownership is now willing to go into the luxury tax:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 3, 2025
“From what I am told, the hope and belief and whatever is that ownership will greenlight them going a little bit into the tax for a little while.”
(via @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/gB7fwdRrOk
Such a narrative points towards the fact that the Pacers might be willing to re-sign Myles Turner. Soon to become an unrestricted free agent, the retention of Turner will be a sensible move, considering his impressive showing this year. However, before the team got inclined towards the luxury tax market, the NBA finalists made history.
Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Points At A Probable Change In NBA Dynamics
It was an interesting moment when it was found that both the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunders have something in common. As finalists, both the teams remained significantly below the NBA luxury tax threshold. For this season, the allotted threshold for the same was $170.8 million.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers would be the first NBA Finals since the luxury tax was in effect where neither team was a taxpayer.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) May 29, 2025
At least one team was a taxpayer in every Finals where the luxury tax was in effect (2002 & 2005 did not have luxury taxes due to lack…
But as it was found, the Pacers were in the 18th position with a $169.1 million payroll. And for the Thunder, it was even lower. Their total payroll stood at $165.6 million, making them take the 25th spot on the list. Surely, such a stat truly indicates that low-budget, high results might be the new norm in the NBA going forward. Now, a mouth-watering clash is awaiting. And it remains to be seen which team gets the most value out of their spending.
Also Read: Actor Timothée Chalamet Criticized For “Inappropriate” Conduct At Knicks-Pacers Game 5
