Myles Turner’s New Chapter: From Pacers Cornerstone to Bucks Co-Star
After spending a full decade donning the blue and gold of the Indiana Pacers, Myles Turner has chosen to chart a new course in his professional basketball journey. His decision to depart the only NBA team he had ever played for and join the Milwaukee Bucks represents a pivotal moment in both his personal career and the NBA landscape at large. This transition, which comes in the form of a lucrative four-year contract worth $108.9 million, signals not only a major commitment from the Bucks but also Turner’s own intent to take on greater responsibility and chase championship contention in a different environment.
Turner’s move is not merely a switch of uniforms or a standard free agency signing—it’s a deeply symbolic departure. For ten seasons, Turner was a fixture in Indiana. He witnessed multiple changes in head coaches, teammates, and even playing philosophies, but he remained a central figure throughout. From his early days as a shot-blocking, rim-protecting rookie to his eventual evolution into a more versatile big man capable of spacing the floor, Turner matured both as a player and leader within the Pacers organization.
But as much as Turner gave to Indiana, the call for change grew louder. He’s no longer just a skilled role player or defensive anchor—he’s ready to prove he can be a true two-way star, and that opportunity now lies in Milwaukee. Signing a four-year contract nearing $109 million in total value shows the Bucks not only believe in his talent but are ready to hand him a critical role alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks envision Turner as more than a complementary piece—they see him as a cornerstone next to their MVP.
A Rivalry Renewed: Turner Now Faces Indiana as the Opposition
Turner’s decision to join the Bucks adds another intense layer to what has already become one of the NBA’s most compelling rivalries: Indiana Pacers versus Milwaukee Bucks. These two teams have developed a bitter and fast-growing feud over recent seasons, fueled by playoff battles, on-court physicality, and trash talk. Now, that rivalry takes on an even more personal tone as Turner, once one of Indiana’s most beloved figures, dons the green and cream of Milwaukee.
Turner will now be matched up against former teammates and friends four times per year during the regular season, and perhaps even more if playoff fate aligns the two squads. For Indiana fans, seeing Turner in a rival’s jersey may be jarring, but for the league as a whole, it’s a dream scenario—a rivalry filled with talent, storylines, and emotional stakes.
This rivalry, already packed with tension, now gets even more explosive with Turner switching sides. While Tyrese Haliburton and company continue to build their legacy in Indianapolis, Turner will attempt to bring that same edge and energy to Milwaukee’s frontcourt. The games will be loaded with emotions—both competitive and personal—and fans can expect fireworks every time these two squads clash.
However, one mitigating factor might dampen that rivalry’s flame in the immediate future—Tyrese Haliburton will reportedly miss the entire upcoming season. That news significantly impacts the competitive outlook of the Bucks-Pacers rivalry for the 2025-26 season, removing one of the main catalysts who helped elevate Indiana to contender status in the East. Without Haliburton, the full fury of the rivalry may be put on hold until the 2026-27 campaign, when Turner will finally get to face a fully equipped version of his old team.
Respect Never Dies: Turner Still Supports His Former Teammates
Despite crossing over to the enemy’s side, Myles Turner has made it abundantly clear that his departure from Indiana hasn’t diminished his respect or affection for his former teammates. In a recent social media interaction, Turner demonstrated that bonds forged over years of shared battles don’t break easily. After Tyrese Haliburton made a major personal announcement—believed to be related to his engagement or perhaps an endorsement deal or milestone—Turner was among the first to offer public congratulations.
His comment was simple yet meaningful: “Congrats y’all,” accompanied by a heart-hand emoji. While it may seem like a small gesture, it spoke volumes about Turner’s enduring connection to those he fought alongside for years. It was a reminder that even in a league driven by trades, contracts, and competition, human relationships persist. Turner’s message showed humility, warmth, and emotional intelligence—qualities that endear him to fans and teammates alike.
Turner’s graceful transition reflects the maturity he’s gained throughout his decade in the league. Rather than burning bridges or harboring resentment, he has chosen to celebrate the success of his friends—even as he now competes against them. That kind of sportsmanship isn’t always visible in the hyper-competitive world of professional basketball, but Turner embodies it.
A New Partnership with Giannis: The Bucks’ Vision for Turner
In Milwaukee, Turner will be expected to be more than just a defensive anchor—he’s being brought in as the Bucks’ presumptive second-best player. That role comes with massive expectations, but also the kind of opportunity that Turner has long craved. Throughout his time in Indiana, Turner often played third or fourth fiddle to other stars—Paul George, Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis, and most recently Tyrese Haliburton.
Now, he steps into a co-star role next to one of the game’s most dominant forces: Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two big men will form a fearsome frontcourt, one that combines Turner’s shot-blocking and shooting ability with Giannis’ ferocity and court vision. It’s a duo that has the potential to change the dynamics of Milwaukee’s offense and defense in one stroke.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Turner’s game is his capacity for pick-and-pop efficiency. In Indiana, the Pacers utilized Turner at the top of the key in numerous pick-and-pop sets, leveraging his 3-point shooting to open up the floor. With Haliburton handling the ball, Turner often found himself wide open for clean perimeter looks, and he delivered with impressive accuracy.
Now, the Bucks hope to replicate that success—but with Giannis running the show. While Giannis is not a traditional pick-and-roll ball handler in the same way Haliburton is, his sheer presence and gravity attract so much defensive attention that Turner could find himself in similar catch-and-shoot situations. Milwaukee’s coaching staff is likely to design offensive actions that maximize Turner’s shooting, giving him ample opportunities to demonstrate that he’s more than just a rim protector.
A Platform to Expand His Game
Myles Turner has long felt that his offensive game is underappreciated. In Indiana, he often deferred to higher-usage players, playing within the structure of the offense rather than forcing the issue. While this made him a dependable teammate, it also limited his ability to fully showcase his skillset. Now, in Milwaukee, Turner has a clean slate—and a much larger platform.
The Bucks didn’t invest over $100 million in Turner for defense alone. They believe he can be a legitimate 20-point-per-game scorer if given the touches and freedom to operate. Turner’s ability to shoot from deep, finish around the rim, and attack in short rolls gives him a unique offensive arsenal. He’s not just a big who sets screens—he’s a modern big who can score at all three levels.
Turner has hinted in interviews over the years that he’s capable of doing more offensively. He’s worked on his footwork in the post, extended his shooting range, and improved his decision-making in high-pressure situations. Milwaukee represents the first team to fully commit to unlocking that side of his game. For Turner, the challenge is clear: prove he’s not just a role player but a foundational piece.
Turner’s Final Season in Indiana: A Strong Sendoff
Before making his leap to Milwaukee, Turner delivered another solid season in Indiana, reminding everyone why he remains one of the league’s most unique big men. During the 2024-25 campaign, he averaged 15.6 points per game—just a shade below his career high—while also contributing 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. His shooting splits were particularly impressive, with a field goal percentage of 48.1% and a 3-point accuracy rate of nearly 40%.
These numbers weren’t just empty stats—they reflected Turner’s consistency and growth. He remained a vital part of the Pacers’ offensive schemes, often serving as the release valve when defenses collapsed on Haliburton. His 3-point shooting made him one of the few big men in the league capable of truly stretching the floor, and his shot-blocking (which still ranked among the NBA’s best) gave Indiana a defensive backbone.
But most importantly, Turner showed resilience. He played through minor injuries, adapted to coaching changes, and continued to lead by example. That professionalism and work ethic are part of what made him so attractive to the Bucks. They know they’re getting a player who shows up every night, both physically and mentally.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Both Teams
Turner’s departure marks the end of an era in Indiana—but also the start of a fascinating new chapter for both franchises. For the Pacers, losing a decade-long stalwart creates a void, both emotionally and on the court. They’ll look to younger players, like Jarace Walker or Isaiah Jackson, to step into larger roles. Tyrese Haliburton remains the centerpiece of the rebuild, but Indiana’s front office will need to find a new frontcourt identity without Turner’s steady presence.
For Milwaukee, the stakes are even higher. With Giannis still in his prime, the Bucks are in win-now mode. Bringing in Turner is a bold signal that they’re serious about competing for a championship, not just making playoff noise. If Turner and Giannis can build chemistry quickly, and if Turner flourishes in his expanded offensive role, Milwaukee may have found the missing piece they’ve been searching for.
The 2025-26 season may serve as a transitional period, especially with Haliburton out for the year. But once he returns, and Turner gets a full season under his belt with the Bucks, the Eastern Conference will witness a rivalry unlike any other. Turner vs. Indiana. Old friends turned foes. Contender vs. rising power. The NBA loves stories like this—and so do fans.
In the end, Myles Turner’s move to Milwaukee isn’t just a free agency story. It’s a tale of evolution, ambition, and respect. It’s a reminder that while players change teams, the bonds they build endure. And as Turner begins this next chapter, he carries with him not only the hopes of a new city but also the legacy of the one he left behind.
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