Myles Turner Leaves Indiana Pacers for Milwaukee Bucks $107M Deal

Myles Turner, the Indiana Pacers' longest-tenured player, left the team after 10 years to sign a four-year, $107 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, a move that caught the Pacers and their president, Kevin Pritchard, by surprise. Despite deep negotiations and the Pacers' willingness to exceed the luxury tax to retain Turner, the center's agent did not allow Indiana to counter Milwaukee's offer, leading to Turner accepting the Bucks' deal without direct communication to the Pacers. Pritchard expressed respect for Turner and disappointment over the manner of his departure, emphasizing that negotiations were conducted in good faith and acknowledging Milwaukee's strategic use of salary cap space. Turner's exit is significant for the Pacers, especially with star guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the 2025-26 season due to an Achilles injury, potentially weakening the team's competitiveness. The Pacers publicly thanked Turner for his contributions and growth during his time in Indiana, while Milwaukee excitedly welcomed him as a key addition alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. The trade underscores the complexities of NBA free agency, where unrestricted players can make unilateral decisions despite ongoing negotiations.