Myles Turner breaks silence on leaving Pacers

After nearly a decade with the Indiana Pacers, center Myles Turner has officially joined the Milwaukee Bucks on a four-year, $108.9 million contract.

The move comes after the Pacers’ deep playoff run ended without a title—and the devastating Achilles injury to star point guard Tyrese Haliburton.

“I wanted to stay competitive,” Turner said during his introductory press conference in Las Vegas, alongside Bucks coach Doc Rivers and GM Jon Horst.

“Two years ago, we got to the conference finals. Last year, the Finals. Being a big part of winning basketball just changed my entire perspective. In Milwaukee, I saw a chance to remain at that level.”

Turner averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks this past season while shooting a career-best 39.6% from three. His defensive prowess and floor-spacing ability made him the top free agent on the market, according to Horst.

“Myles is sitting there as the best free agent in the market,” Horst said. “You start thinking, ‘How do we modernize the team? How do we help Giannis grow?’ Turner was the perfect fit.”

To make room for Turner, the Bucks waived nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard and stretched the $113 million remaining on his deal.

“I was tired of his elbows in the chest and shoulder thrusts,” he joked. “He’s a generational talent, one of the greatest ever. I’m very familiar with his game. I think we’ll work really well—especially defensively.”

Though Turner and Giannis have only exchanged text messages so far, Rivers emphasized Giannis’ deep involvement in the Bucks’ offseason planning.

“Giannis came to me the day after the season. We were already talking about next year,” Rivers said. “He loves Milwaukee. And we love him.”

“Everybody sees the vision. I’ve aligned myself with that.”