Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner recently appeared on Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s “Thanalysis Show,” where he elaborated on his decision to leave the Indiana Pacers and join the Bucks this offseason. Turner revealed that he initially received assurances from the Pacers’ management about his future with the team as he approached free agency.
He reflected on his experience with the Pacers, noting, “Pascal was in a contract year. T.J. McConnell was in a contract year. Aaron Nesmith was in a contract year. I could go down the list, but you go through that, and we had a great run. Everybody got taken care of. Everybody got paid because we won.” Turner emphasized that after the team’s successful run to the NBA Finals, he was told to stay focused, with the understanding that he would be rewarded for his contributions.
However, Turner’s outlook changed after the injury to star player Tyrese Haliburton during the Finals, which he believes prompted a shift in the Pacers’ front office strategy. “Then, the unfortunate situation happens in the Finals with Tyrese, and I guess the front office and ownership just changed their mind,” he explained. Turner felt that despite his past achievements and assistance in guiding the team to the Eastern Conference Finals and the Finals, the organization opted for a different approach. “We had to pivot,” he shared, illustrating the disconnect between his expectations and the team’s vision for the future.
Ultimately, Turner signed a lucrative four-year deal worth $108.8 million with the Milwaukee Bucks, a move facilitated by the team creating cap space through strategic roster decisions, including waiving Damian Lillard’s salary. With this new chapter in his career, Turner seems hopeful for his future with the Bucks, signaling a commitment to new victories and achievements in Milwaukee.