Tyrese Haliburton has addressed Myles Turner’s recent move to the Milwaukee Bucks during his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, marking his first public remarks since his injury. With Haliburton sidelined and the Indiana Pacers facing luxury tax concerns, the team reportedly underbid Turner in free agency. The Bucks shocked the basketball world by waiving Damian Lillard to clear salary cap space and secure Turner on a four-year, $108.9 million contract that better reflects his market value. Haliburton expressed understanding rather than frustration over Turner’s decision.
Recognizing the Business Side of the NBA
Speaking candidly, Haliburton acknowledged the harsh realities of professional sports, emphasizing that players must prioritize their own interests.
“Myles Turner did some great things here..The NBA is a business and he’s gotta do what’s best for him..I wish him the best moving forward,”
Haliburton tweeted, reflecting his measured approach to the departure.
In further remarks, he stated,
“Since I’ve gotten here and for the last 10 years Myles’ name has been synonymous with our organization… At the end of the day it is a business, he’s gotta do what’s best for him. I wish him the best moving forward. My focus is on the guys here and getting better here, but I wish him the best moving forward.”
This perspective underscores the understanding among athletes that professional decisions often come down to finances and career longevity rather than personal loyalty.
Context on Athlete Decisions and Injury Perspectives
Haliburton’s insight extends to the broader challenges NBA players face, including injury risks. In the same ESPN interview, he suggested that recent spikes in Achilles injuries may result more from misfortune than workload.
“Everybody thinks we play too many games, we play too many minutes — all those things could be true, but I don’t think that is what’s causing these injuries… So I don’t think that anybody has necessarily the answer. I think injuries are just bad luck sometimes and that’s just what happened. I think that’s just what happens in sports sometimes,”
he explained.
Pacers’ Response and Team Planning Amid Injury Concerns
On the management side, Indiana Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan confirmed the team has secured a disabled injury exception for Haliburton for the coming season. This exception allows the Pacers to add a player within a $14.1 million salary cap window but does not open an additional roster slot. The Pacers currently carry 13 guaranteed contracts for the next season, and Buchanan noted that enhancing point guard depth remains an area under review, highlighting the team’s forward planning given Haliburton’s absence.
Implications for the Pacers’ Future and Haliburton’s Focus
Haliburton’s comments highlight the complex balance NBA players must strike between individual career advancement and team loyalty. The Pacers now face the challenge of adjusting their roster and maintaining competitiveness without one of their key players. Meanwhile, Haliburton’s focus remains on his recovery and supporting his teammates, signaling a determined mindset as he navigates the uncertainties ahead. The Bucks’ aggressive acquisition of Turner also signals their intent to strengthen their roster significantly. This business-driven approach to team building continues to define offseason moves throughout the league.