Last week, longtime Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner signed a four-year, $107 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, leaving the Pacers stunned and scrambling. The decision, which reportedly came without warning or a chance for Indiana to counter, left the franchise reeling just weeks after its first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years.
Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard addressed the media in a press conference, expressing both his admiration for Turner and his frustration with how the situation unfolded.
“I don’t want to get into the specifics of Myles because the truth is, he gave ten great years here,” Pritchard said. “I loved having him here. I hope I’m friends with him for a long time. But I will say this: Herb Simon, Steven Rales, and the entire ownership group were fully prepared to go deep into the tax to keep him”.
Turner, who became Indiana’s all-time blocks leader and a defensive anchor for nearly a decade, had been in what the team described as “good faith negotiations.” But according to Pritchard, the front office was blindsided when Turner’s camp accepted Milwaukee’s offer without circling back.
“We were deep in conversations with Myles. And then we just saw he had accepted Milwaukee’s offer. That’s part of this business that is challenging. But yes, we were blindsided”.
Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard said they were willing to go deep into the luxury tax to keep Myles Turner.
However, Turner’s agent never gave Indiana the opportunity to counter the Bucks’ offer before deciding to leave.pic.twitter.com/LEj594iTCu
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 7, 2025
The Bucks, meanwhile, executed a bold cap maneuver to make the signing possible; waiving Damian Lillard and stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract over five years to clear space. Turner’s deal includes a player option and a 15% trade kicker, signaling Milwaukee’s long-term commitment to the versatile big man.
For Indiana, the timing couldn’t be worse. With star guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the entire 2025–26 season due to a torn Achilles, the Pacers had hoped to retain Turner as a stabilizing force. His departure now leaves a gaping hole in the frontcourt and forces the team to pivot quickly. Backup center Jay Huff was acquired from Memphis, and Utah’s Walker Kessler has emerged as a potential trade target.
Turner’s exit also adds fuel to the budding rivalry between the Pacers and Bucks. Indiana eliminated Milwaukee in each of the last two postseasons, and Turner was a key figure in those battles. Now, he’ll suit up for the other side.
As Pritchard put it, “Change is inevitable. Expect the unexpected.” For the Pacers, that unexpected change may have just reshaped their future.
