In a surprising turn of events, Indiana Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard revealed that he first learned about Myles Turner’s departure through social media—a revelation that has sparked waves of reaction across the NBA landscape.
Speaking candidly during a media availability on Friday, Pritchard admitted he was “caught off guard” when he saw online reports indicating that Turner had agreed to terms with another team. While he didn’t specify the exact post or platform, Pritchard said, “It was a little shocking. We were under the impression things were progressing in a positive direction, and then suddenly—boom—it’s all over the internet.”
What’s even more compelling is that Pritchard confirmed the Pacers were willing to go above and beyond to keep the veteran big man in Indiana—even if it meant entering the luxury tax threshold. “We were absolutely prepared to exceed the tax line for Myles,” he said. “He’s been a cornerstone of our franchise for nearly a decade. His leadership, rim protection, and growing offensive game made him a priority.”
Turner, who had spent his entire NBA career with the Pacers since being drafted in 2015, had reportedly been in ongoing negotiations with the front office. According to sources close to the situation, discussions were cordial and productive until the sudden pivot in free agency.
While Pritchard didn’t express bitterness, his tone conveyed disappointment, particularly about the manner in which the team discovered the news. “In this business, surprises happen. But ideally, we’d find out directly, not through a Twitter post or an Instagram graphic.”
Turner’s departure marks a significant shift for the Pacers, who now find themselves re-evaluating their frontcourt rotation. With young talent on the rise and cap flexibility still intact—even after preparing for a possible tax hit—the front office insists the franchise remains focused on building a competitive and cohesive roster.
“It stings,” Pritchard said. “But we’re not in the business of dwelling on the past. We’ll pivot, adapt, and continue working toward our vision.”
Turner has not yet publicly commented on the specifics of his decision, though he did post a cryptic farewell to Pacers fans, thanking them for their “unwavering support” over the years.
This development adds another layer of drama to what has already been a wild NBA off season, and it underscores just how fast—and how publicly—business moves in today’s league.
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