Myles Turner, a prominent figure in the NBA for the past decade, has officially signed a four-year contract worth $107 million with the Milwaukee Bucks. This deal includes a player option in the fourth year, as well as a full 15% trade kicker. It represents a big change for the center, who spent his first ten seasons with the Indiana Pacers.
Turner developed into a key factor for the Pacers on their run to the Eastern Conference Finals and forced the franchise’s first NBA Final appearance in 25 years. His departure is a huge blow to Indiana. This makes it all the more surprising given that the team was reportedly engaged in good faith negotiations to extend his contract. The Pacers’ management, including President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard, had expressed their commitment to keeping Turner, even indicating that they were prepared to enter luxury tax territory to do so.
“I know this, that Herb Simon and Steven Rales and the Simon family were fully prepared to go deep into the tax to keep him,” – Kevin Pritchard
A lot has changed in recent months to change the dynamic for Turner and the Pacers. Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury during Game 7 has raised concerns about Indiana’s roster for the upcoming season, as he is expected to miss the entirety of the 2025-26 season. This uncertainty cast doubt on the Pacers’ willingness to invest heavily in Turner’s contract extension.
Just ask the Milwaukee Bucks, who never cease to surprise with bold moves. They waved Damian Lillard to create space for Turner and managed to pull in their new pillar of creation. With Turner’s franchise-altering defensive prowess and scoring ability in the mix, the Bucks now hope to fortify their championship hopes.
In reaction to Turner’s exodus, the Pacers snatched up backup center Jay Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies. Indiana’s quick action is a clear signal of their desire and ability to decisively step into Turner’s void. They’re fighting an uphill battle with Haliburton’s injury.
Kevin Pritchard acknowledged the complexities of the current market dynamics, stating, “There’s cap teams that have cap space, and there’s shadow teams that have cap space.” This quote is emblematic of the larger plight that teams are experiencing as they try to navigate these fiscal limits and still create competitive rosters.
The news of Turner’s signing with Milwaukee has reverberated through the league, leaving many analysts surprised by Indiana’s inability to retain their star player. Turner is slated to kick off that new chapter this season with the Milwaukee Bucks. He hopes to establish himself as the kind of key contributor on a team with postseason championship expectations.
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