The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks are set to face off in the 2025 Eastern Conference finals, reigniting a decades-old rivalry between the two teams. The Pacers, who have not won a championship since moving from the ABA to the NBA in 1976, appear poised for a resurgence with their deep core.
Center Myles Turner, a key player on the team, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and may be a priority for the organization. Despite facing salary cap constraints, Pacers owner Herb Simon has indicated a willingness to increase spending next season to keep key players like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam intact.
Meanwhile, the Knicks have constructed a contender with deep pockets, thanks in part to their ability to stay under the second apron rules. Star Jalen Brunson’s four-year, $156 million contract extension will become increasingly valuable as the salary cap increases, while coach Tom Thibodeau has built a core rotation that has performed well throughout the regular season and playoffs.
The Knicks’ challenge lies in depth, with some roster spots left open by recent trades for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns. However, staying under the second apron allows them to address these issues through trades and free agency this summer. The Pacers and Knicks are currently staring each other down across a competitive playoff landscape, with both teams seeking to maintain their momentum into next season.
As the league’s financial landscape shifts, rival teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers face challenges in maintaining roster stability. With key bench players Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill set to become unrestricted free agents, the Cavs must navigate punitive penalties that limit their ability to manage rosters.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45302013/rivalry-renewed-why-absurd-new-york-knicks-indiana-pacers-series-signal-massive-shift-east