The Indiana Pacers have faced a significant setback with the departure of Myles Turner, as confirmed by coach Rick Carlisle and team president Kevin Pritchard. Turner has signed a four-year, $107 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, who now have the option to team him up with Giannis Antetokounmpo. This move leaves the Pacers without their key low-post defender heading into the 2025-26 season, especially since Tyrese Halliburton is also not on the roster.
Coach Carlisle expressed how losing Turner is a major blow given his great performance last season, and he revealed that the Bucks unexpectedly decided to prioritize Turner by giving up on Damian Lillard and making room in their salary to sign him. Carlisle noted that during negotiations, teams often test the waters with offers, but the Pacers could not compete financially with the Bucks’ deal for their longest-tenured player. Despite the disappointment, Carlisle emphasized moving forward.
Team president Kevin Pritchard admitted to being shocked by the news, highlighting Turner’s decade-long career with Indiana, which included multiple contract renewals. Reports say that Milwaukee dropped their pursuit of Lillard, who was owed $113 million, to accommodate Turner’s contract by extending Lillard’s deal over five years instead of two. Turner, a legendary shot-blocker for Indiana, averaged 15.3 points and 6.5 rebounds this past season and played a pivotal role in the Pacers’ playoff run, especially in protecting the rim against teams like the Bucks, Cavaliers, and Knicks.
In the playoffs, Turner delivered notable performances, including five blocks in a crucial game against Oklahoma City, helping Indiana secure a 2-1 series lead before ultimately losing in seven games. Pritchard assured that the Pacers were sincere in their talks and willing to exceed the luxury tax limit to retain Turner, but after his sudden exit, Indiana signed Jay Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies to fill the roster gap.
Fan Take: Myles Turner’s move to the Bucks is a game-changer for both teams and the league, showcasing the power of strategic free agency moves. For basketball fans, this shift challenges the Pacers to rebuild and highlights the ever-evolving nature of team dynamics and star player impact in the NBA.
