BREAKING NEWS: Few Minutes Ago Myles Turner Reveals Reasons Behind Departure from Indiana Pacers to Milwaukee Bucks…
Just moments ago, Myles Turner, the former Indiana Pacers legend and franchise cornerstone, opened up about his surprising decision to leave the team after a decade to join Central Division rivals, the Milwaukee Bucks. The announcement, which has sent shockwaves through the NBA community, comes on the heels of Turner signing a four-year, $108.9 million contract with the Bucks, finalized on July 7, 2025.
Turner, the Pacers’ all-time leader in blocked shots and one of the NBA’s longest-tenured players with a single franchise, shared his reasoning in a heartfelt social media post and a subsequent press conference. The 29-year-old center, known for his rim protection and three-point shooting, addressed the abrupt nature of his departure and the factors that influenced his move to Milwaukee.
A Decade of Dedication in Indianapolis
Drafted 11th overall by the Pacers in 2015, Turner spent 10 seasons with the team, playing 642 games—the sixth-most in franchise history. He became a fan favorite for his defensive prowess, leading the league in blocks twice, and his ability to stretch the floor as a 3-and-D big man. His contributions were instrumental in the Pacers’ thrilling run to the 2025 NBA Finals, where they fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a hard-fought seven-game series.
In his farewell message to Pacers fans, Turner expressed deep gratitude for the city of Indianapolis, which he said shaped him as both a person and a player. “Saying goodbye is never easy, especially so abruptly,” Turner wrote on Instagram. “To the city of Indianapolis, thank you for pouring into me as a PERSON, not just a player. This city is special, the heart of basketball has and always will live in Indy.” He shouted out local spots like Mass Ave, Eagle Creek Park, Long’s Bakery, and Fountain Square, reflecting on the memories that defined his time in the Circle City.
Why Milwaukee? The Decision Explained
In a candid press conference, Turner revealed that his decision to join the Bucks was driven by a combination of professional and strategic considerations. The Pacers reportedly offered Turner a contract around $23 million per year, which he felt undervalued his contributions, particularly after his pivotal role in the Finals run. In contrast, the Bucks presented a four-year, $108.9 million deal—approximately $26.7 million annually—that Turner described as “an offer that was hard to turn down.”
The uncertainty surrounding the Pacers’ future also played a significant role. The team’s star guard, Tyrese Haliburton, suffered a torn Achilles in Game 7 of the Finals, casting doubt on Indiana’s championship window for the 2025-26 season. When asked if Haliburton’s injury influenced his decision, Turner stated, “You realize how hard it is to get there [the NBA Finals]… The only thing that went into this decision was getting to get that experience again.” Joining a Bucks team led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, offers Turner a chance to compete for a title immediately.
Additionally, the Bucks made a bold move to clear cap space for Turner by waiving All-Star point guard Damian Lillard and stretching his $113 million salary over five years, a decision that also saw the departure of veteran center Brook Lopez to the Los Angeles Clippers. Turner is expected to step into the starting center role, providing rim protection and floor-spacing alongside Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee’s frontcourt.
A Subtle Jab at the Pacers?
Turner’s comments also hinted at frustrations with the Pacers’ front office, particularly their reluctance to enter the luxury tax to retain him. Sources indicate that Indiana’s offer was capped at $22-23 million annually, with no willingness to exceed a four-year term. NBA insiders have criticized the Pacers for “playing hardball” and prioritizing financial flexibility over keeping a key player, especially after coming one win shy of an NBA championship. Turner’s remarks about chasing another Finals experience could be interpreted as a subtle critique of Indiana’s conservative approach.
Pacers president of operations Kevin Pritchard admitted he was “shocked” by Turner’s exit, learning of the decision via social media while believing negotiations were ongoing. “I think I was shocked, if I’m being perfectly honest,” Pritchard said. The Pacers’ aversion to the luxury tax, exacerbated by Haliburton’s injury, allowed Milwaukee to swoop in with a more lucrative offer.
Fan Reactions and the Road Ahead
The move has sparked mixed emotions among Pacers fans, who are reeling from losing their longest-tenured player to a division rival. Turner’s heartfelt farewell resonated with many, as he thanked fans for holding him accountable and spending more time with them than his own family. “I took the criticism on the chin, bit my tongue to complain and just kept my head down and grinded through it all,” he wrote. “In the end… it was ALL so worth it.”
For the Bucks, Turner’s arrival is a coup. His ability to protect the rim and shoot from deep makes him an ideal fit alongside Antetokounmpo, and his playoff experience against Milwaukee—having helped eliminate them in the past two postseasons—adds an ironic twist. Bucks fans are reportedly thrilled, eager to see Turner don the green and white in the 2025-26 season.
Meanwhile, the Pacers face a challenging offseason. With Haliburton sidelined and no clear replacement for Turner, the team is exploring options like second-year player Enrique Freeman and trade targets like Deandre Ayton to fill the void at center. Some insiders speculate that Indiana’s front office may be planning a “huge” move, having regained their 2026 first-round pick and the ability to trade future picks through 2032. However, for now, the loss of Turner leaves a significant hole in the roster and the hearts of Pacers fans.
A New Chapter for Turner
As Myles Turner prepares to embark on a new journey with the Milwaukee Bucks, his legacy in Indianapolis remains intact. From his shot-blocking records to his leadership during the Pacers’ Finals run, Turner’s impact on the franchise is undeniable. Now, with a fresh start in Milwaukee, the 6-foot-11 center is poised to chase a championship and continue shaping his NBA story.