How Deep Are Pacers' Pockets?

Indiana Pacers fans felt a rush they hadn't felt since 2014. After years of obscurity and purgatory-like basketball, Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam gave loyal fans a rush of pleasure. However, reveling in the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals didn't last long before NBA analysts proceeded to pick apart their beloved team. Will the Pacers pay to keep the team, or will their ownership ultimately shed cap space?

John Hollinger significantly doubts the Pacers.

Hollinger is the co-host of the "Duncan and Hollinger" NBA Show podcast. During their recent episode, the two discussed the Pacers' offseason activity. The two NBA analysts represented both sides of the coin regarding the Pacers' free agency and contract extension moves.

The Athletic NBA analyst Hollinger believes the Pacers kicked the can to an inevitable conclusion.

Hollinger cited the Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell contract extensions as unnecessary and deadends for a franchise that has historically seldom paid the luxury tax.

“Seemingly gives them no outs to go to stay below the luxury tax and pay Myles Turner," Hollinger said of the Nembhard and McConnel contract extensions.

Related: Andrew Nembhard Trade Imminent?

Hollinger took a "dubious" position on the Pacers "paying a tax dollar ever." However, despite Hollinger's doubt in the Pacers' ownership, technically, they've dipped into the luxury tax on three occasions since the financial roadblock's 2005 inception in the NBA.

Does Herb Simon deem the 2025-26 Pacers luxury tax worthy? It's up to the 2024-25 campaign to convince the long-time Pacers' team governor to reach into his deep pockets for the sake of keeping an Eastern Conference contender.