Myles Turner Bolsters the Milwaukee Bucks with a Million-Dollar Contract
Free agent center Myles Turner has reached an agreement with the Milwaukee Bucks for four years and $107 million, with a player option in the fourth year (2028-29) and a 15% trade bonus, according to sources close to the situation.
Turner, who has been the Pacers’ longest-tenured player in the franchise for 10 seasons, had expressed his desire to stay in Indiana. After the Pacers’ elimination in the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Turner’s representatives worked to finalize a deal. However, Indiana’s aversion to the luxury tax, which increased after Tyrese Haliburton’s injury, made it easier for the Bucks to acquire their new star center.
Turner, 29, was a key piece in the Pacers’ success. With his ability to open the court and defend the rim, Turner averaged 39.6% effectiveness in three-pointers, his best personal mark, in addition to 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.
During the postseason, Turner set a team record with 46 blocks.
Turner joins Brook Lopez and Rasheed Wallace as the only three players in NBA history with 700 three-pointers and 1,400 blocks.
In a market with few options during the first days of free agency, the Bucks’ general manager, along with CAA’s co-head of basketball, Austin Brown, collaborated to finalize a massive deal that will transform Milwaukee and allow the franchise to aggressively reinforce around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks have re-signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Kevin Porter Jr. this offseason, while they lost Lopez, who signed with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Bucks intended to acquire Turner, but were limited by salary restrictions. Horst and Brown worked to create an opportunity.
Turner and Antetokounmpo considered the possibility of playing together, according to sources close to them.
With Antetokounmpo considering his future and whether he fit better with the Bucks, Milwaukee executives are making another important move.
In 2020, Horst acquired Jrue Holiday in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. In 2023, the Bucks acquired Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. Now, Horst adds Turner, demonstrating the commitment to build a contender in the Eastern Conference with Antetokounmpo at his best, while weakening an Eastern rival.
