In one of the most unexpected moves of the 2025 NBA offseason, Myles Turner—the Indiana Pacers’ longest-tenured player and emotional backbone—has officially signed a four-year, $107 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. The departure not only ends a nearly 10-year chapter for Turner in Indianapolis but also casts uncertainty over the Pacers’ short-term future, especially with star guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the upcoming season.
While the Bucks bolster their championship hopes with Turner’s elite rim protection and floor-spacing ability, the Pacers are left scrambling to find answers. Fans and analysts alike are questioning how the team allowed such a vital piece to walk, and whether this signals a subtle reset for a franchise that just months ago seemed on the verge of contention.
The Turner Era: A Decade of Quiet Dominance
Myles Turner was more than just a center for the Pacers—he was the team’s defensive heartbeat. Drafted 11th overall in 2015, Turner quickly became one of the league’s premier shot blockers, leading the NBA in blocks per game multiple times. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, combined with his evolving leadership, made him a rare commodity: a two-way big man in a league increasingly favoring perimeter talent.
Turner’s tenure wasn’t without turbulence—trade rumors followed him for years, and his role occasionally diminished during the Domantas Sabonis era. But through coaching changes, roster reboots, and playoff heartbreaks, Turner remained the one constant in Indiana’s locker room.
By the end of the 2024–25 season, he had cemented himself as the franchise’s third all-time leader in blocks and had become a fan favorite for his community involvement and loyalty. So when news broke that he would be heading to Milwaukee, it wasn’t just a basketball story—it was an emotional gut punch.
Why Did Turner Leave?
According to league insiders, the Pacers offered Turner a contract extension—but at a value significantly lower than Milwaukee’s offer. Sources say the front office was hesitant to commit long-term money to a 29-year-old center with a lengthy injury history, especially given the evolving style of the NBA, where traditional big men are often played off the floor in crucial playoff minutes.
But for Turner, the Bucks represented more than just money. Milwaukee offers a legitimate championship window, with stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard in their prime. Joining a ready-made contender, especially one that values defense and already has a top-tier infrastructure, was a no-brainer.
Meanwhile, Turner’s cryptic social media posts prior to the deal—”Sometimes loyalty isn’t reciprocated”—suggest there may have been more behind the scenes. Whether it was a lack of appreciation, frustration with the team’s direction, or simply the desire for a new challenge, it’s clear the decision wasn’t purely financial.
Pacers at a Crossroads
Turner’s departure couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Pacers. With Haliburton recovering from Achilles surgery and expected to miss the entire 2025–26 season, Indiana is already facing an uphill battle. The loss of their defensive anchor only amplifies the challenge.
Head coach Rick Carlisle now has to restructure a frontcourt that’s thin on proven talent. Isaiah Jackson, Thomas Bryant, and Jarace Walker offer potential, but none have Turner’s combination of experience, shot-blocking, and floor spacing. The Pacers are reportedly exploring a trade for Charlotte’s Nick Richards and have expressed interest in signing former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton, who was recently waived by Portland.
But none of those options come with a guarantee. Ayton has struggled with consistency and effort, while Richards remains unproven as a full-time starter. There’s also buzz around possibly giving James Wiseman a chance—a former high-lottery pick whose career has yet to find traction. While all are serviceable players, none can immediately replicate what Turner brought on both ends of the court.
A Shift in Identity?
With Turner and Haliburton gone, the Pacers’ identity is in flux. Last season, they were known for fast-paced, high-efficiency offense orchestrated by Haliburton and anchored by Turner’s defense. Without those two, they risk becoming rudderless—a middle-of-the-pack team without a clear star or strategy.
That said, there’s also an opportunity here.
Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, and Jarace Walker are all talented young players with upside. If Carlisle can harness their development, Indiana might surprise people with their depth and resilience. But the clock is ticking—Haliburton’s prime years are approaching, and without the right supporting cast, the Pacers could risk wasting his peak.
Fan Reaction: Anger, Sadness, and Gratitude
Social media was flooded with mixed emotions after the Turner news. On one end, some fans were furious at the front office for not matching the Bucks’ offer.
“You let your franchise defensive leader walk for nothing. No picks, no trade, just gone. Shameful,” tweeted one longtime Pacers fan.
Others, however, took a more sentimental tone, posting highlights of Turner’s best games and thanking him for his loyalty through Indiana’s rebuilding years.
“Myles Turner gave this city everything. He stayed when he could’ve asked out. He represented us with class. Go get your ring, big man,” one user posted.
The Pacers themselves released a brief statement, thanking Turner for “his years of service and dedication to our franchise and community,” but it was noticeably muted—perhaps a reflection of the tension behind the scenes.
Milwaukee’s Gain Is Indiana’s Pain
For the Bucks, this is a home run signing. Turner perfectly complements Giannis, allowing the Greek Freak to focus more on offense while Turner protects the rim. He’s also a great pick-and-pop partner for Lillard and can defend multiple positions. In essence, Milwaukee just got a younger, more mobile Brook Lopez—and potentially extended their title window by two or three years.
For Indiana, the road ahead is much less clear. They’re young, talented, and well-coached—but missing a star and now their defensive anchor. Unless a major move is made in free agency or trade, 2025–26 could be a step backward, a season defined more by growth than contention.
Conclusion: End of an Era, Start of a Transition
Myles Turner’s departure marks the end of a quiet yet impactful era in Indiana Pacers history. Though never an All-Star, Turner embodied everything the franchise stood for—toughness, professionalism, and loyalty. His absence will be felt not just on the court but in the locker room and the community.
For the Pacers, the coming months will be about rediscovery. Whether they can rise from this setback or fade into mediocrity depends on the moves made now. One thing’s for sure: Myles Turner will be hard to replace—not just as a player, but as a symbol of everything Indiana basketball has tried to be.
