The Milwaukee Bucks stunned NBA fans by signing big man Myles Turner, a move few expected after reports indicated he would re-sign with the Indiana Pacers. This surprising twist unfolded shortly after Tyrese Haliburton’s severe Achilles injury during Game 7 of the NBA Finals, which profoundly affected the Pacers’ future strategy and ultimately influenced Turner’s decision.
By opting to join the Bucks instead of staying with the only franchise he had played for since being drafted in 2015, Turner’s decision marked a significant shift for both him and the Pacers organization. His signing reasons reveal a complex mix of personal alignment, competitive aspirations, and team dynamics, shedding light on why this offseason move remains one of the most talked about.
Frictions with the Pacers Influenced Turner’s Decision
Despite earlier notions that Turner would remain with Indiana under a lucrative contract, reports later suggested that the Pacers did not meet his contract expectations, sparking questions about deeper issues. Turner himself hinted at underlying “alignment issues” between him and the Pacers organization, which he described with respect but avoided extensive detail on.
There were alignment issues, I think on that side, you know, as far as me and them,
Turner said.
Just out of respect for their organization, out of respect for this organization, I’m not gonna speak on that too much. But, you know, again, this was just the best decision for me moving forward, and the best fit.
Recognizing the weight of the choice, Turner reflected on the challenge of leaving the franchise where he spent a decade, from a 19-year-old rookie to a seasoned veteran.
There were a lot of decisions that went into it, it wasn’t an easy one,
Turner admitted.
I spent 10 years of my life in one place. I was a teenager when I got to the Indy market, and when I just sat back and started to evaluate things and just see where I was in my career, see where I was in my life and what I wanted for myself, I just kind of saw what the Bucks were putting together. And I was excited about the opportunity. I had great conversation with Doc [Rivers] and Jon [Horst], and obviously my agent as well, and my family. And I think we just all decided, and ultimately I decided that, this is where I needed to be.
Turner emphasized that his openness to playing elsewhere went beyond financial considerations, suggesting a broader search for a fitting environment.
Milwaukee’s Competitive Edge Drew Turner In
Much speculation surrounded Turner’s departure from Indiana, with many attributing it largely to the Pacers’ unwillingness to match his financial demands. While the contract offer was a factor, Turner highlighted Milwaukee’s promise of competitiveness as a major influence on his choice. He alluded to the impact of Haliburton’s injury, refraining from a direct answer but indicating it may have contributed to his decision.
Being in the NBA Finals is something that was one of the greatest learning experiences I’ve ever had,
Turner shared.
You just realize how hard it is to get there, how hard it is to win, just how mentally exhausting it is, physically, everything. It’s just one of the best experiences in my entire life. And the only thing that went into this decision was to get that experience once again, and I saw a fit and opportunity here to make that happen.
Turner made clear that maintaining a high level of competition was central to his move, which likely factored in Indiana’s diminished immediate prospects following Haliburton’s injury.
Ultimately, it was about just staying competitive,
he said.
Two years ago, got to Eastern Conference Finals. Obviously, last year we got to the NBA Finals. But being there, being part of it, winning basketball has just changed my entire perspective on this league, and I saw a chance to remain competitive here. Jon [Horst], even Doc [Rivers] has assured me that winning is a top priority here, and we just align with our visions.
Given that Indiana was now rebuilding while Turner was entering his prime, the choice to join a contender rather than wait for his former team’s recovery became clearer.
Opportunity to Play Alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo Excites Turner
The prospect of pairing with Giannis Antetokounmpo creates an exciting frontcourt dynamic for the Bucks, mixing Turner’s perimeter shooting and shot-blocking with Giannis’s unrivaled versatility. This combination addresses Milwaukee’s need for floor spacing and rim protection, particularly after Brook Lopez’s departure to the Clippers. Head coach Doc Rivers expressed enthusiasm about building a team around this duo.
I told Myles just if you could sit down before free agency started and draw the perfect fit next to Giannis, it was a picture of him,
Rivers remarked.
…The fit is perfect, and not only that, we wanted to get younger. We’ve done that. Myles just turned 29, so in one swoop, we’re a younger basketball team where we want to play at a better pace, which we started doing. It’s just all these things all came together. So yeah, I’m thinking about it now, and I’ll think about it all summer.
Turner also candidly shared his relief at no longer having to compete against Giannis and his respect for the Bucks’ veteran roster.
I was tired of taking them damn shoulders and elbows in my chest from someone that’s as forceful as he is,
Turner joked.
It’s a rarity in this league that you get to be alongside a generational player. Arguably one of the greatest players to play this game. But not even that, I just look at this roster and how it’s tooled, and I competed against these guys for the past two seasons. There was a respect from afar about how they went about their business. My former team we were young and hungry, and I look at this team as a veteran group of guys that want to win by any means necessary. Just battling them in a series it just woke something up in me a little bit; I was just kind of curious to see what that would be like.
What This Signing Means for Turner and the Bucks
Myles Turner’s move to Milwaukee symbolizes a pivotal moment in his career, as he transitions from a rebuilding Pacers team to a Bucks roster poised for contention. His pursuit of team alignment and a competitive opportunity aligns with Milwaukee’s ambition to return to championship glory following last season’s Finals appearance. By bringing Turner’s skill set alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and an experienced squad, the Bucks aim to bolster their defensive and offensive versatility.
For the Pacers, losing their longest-tenured player underlines the impact of Haliburton’s injury on their immediate future, signaling a period of recalibration rather than contention. Meanwhile, Turner’s signing may influence other players’ decisions around the league, as it underscores the importance of organizational fit and championship potential over monetary incentives alone.
As the Bucks and Turner prepare for the upcoming season, basketball fans will be watching closely to see how this partnership develops and if Milwaukee’s strategy pays off in returning to the NBA’s elite level.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Myles Turner?
A. The Indiana Pacers faced a tough setback during free agency when Myles Turner chose to sign a four-year deal worth $108.9 million with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Q. How many years has Myles Turner been in the NBA?
A. He played for the Texas Longhorns for one season before the Indiana Pacers picked him with the 11th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. Turner was with the Pacers for 10 seasons and made it to the NBA Finals in 2025, which was his last year with them. He is 6 feet 11 inches tall and plays as a center.
Q. How many years has Myles Turner played in the NBA?
A. Here’s how he described it: “It’s difficult to express what these last 10 seasons and years have meant to me… From being a teen from Bedford, Texas, to the person and player I am now, Indianapolis has always been home. You’ve seen me mature, both in basketball and my personal life.”
Q. How long has Myles Turner played in the NBA?
A. Allen spent 18 years playing in the NBA and was honored by being included in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 2018.