Indiana Pacers won't go into luxury tax for any purpose

The Indiana Pacers have a handful of roster decisions to make before the start of the season in the wake of the Paul George injury, but they know one thing is for certain – they won’t be dipping into the NBA’s luxury tax.

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Most teams, especially those in a small market like the Indiana Pacers do what they can to avoid the dollar-for-dollar tax, though some don’t mind paying a portion in the event that they are able to net themselves assets that place them over the line.

Not the Indiana Pacers however as they won’t be paying any part of the luxury tax according to team president Larry Bird.

While going into the luxury tax certainly isn’t a need to field a competitive team, it can be beneficial as the NBA’s soft salary cap will allow teams to have a bit of wiggle room. However, judging by some of Indiana’s offseason moves (like not paying Lance Stephenson), they are clearly steadfast on not paying the NBA any tax funds no matter the cost.

Of course, they may be second thinking that right now after the Paul George injury but regardless, the ownership appears adamant that going above and beyond from a financial standpoint will not happen.

Assuming the Indiana Pacers disabled player exception is granted by the NBA (and it will be), the Pacers will only be able to spend a portion of the $5.3 million dollar exception without dipping into the tax. They can clear a bit of salary with a few moves, but using the full exception with their current roster would put them into the tax.

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Indiana Pacers won’t go into luxury tax for any purpose

By Bryan Rose | Aug 12, 2014