Myles Turner Explains His Departure from Indiana and His Arrival in Milwaukee
In a recent statement, Myles Turner broke the silence on his surprising departure from the Indiana Pacers and his trade to the Milwaukee Bucks. The player expressed his feelings in a letter published on social media and reiterated them during the Las Vegas Summer League, accompanied by coach Doc Rivers and general manager Jon Horst.Turner also expressed his enthusiasm for playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, two-time MVP and NBA Finals MVP in 2021. To facilitate Turner’s arrival, who signed a four-year, $108.9 million contract with an option for the 2028-29 season, Milwaukee cut nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard and extended the remaining $113 million of his contract. Turner, 29, was the longest-tenured player on the Pacers (10 seasons) before his departure. In the previous season, he achieved an impressive 39.6% three-point shooting efficiency, in addition to averaging 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks.For me, ultimately, it was about staying competitive. Two years ago, we made it to the Conference Finals. Obviously, last year we made it to the Finals. Being an important part of winning basketball just changed my whole perspective on this league. I saw the opportunity to continue to be competitive here.
Myles Turner
Horst also highlighted that Turner’s arrival was key to modernizing the team’s playing style, positively impacting Giannis’s development and maximizing his skills.We had multiple paths throughout the offseason. All of our offseason planning before acquiring Turner focused on how we can take this team to the next level. How can we improve? And Myles is there as the best free agent on the entire market.
Jon Horst
Although Antetokounmpo’s direct involvement in the acquisition of Turner is unknown, Horst and Rivers assured that the organization has maintained constant communication with the player during the offseason. Turner, for his part, revealed that he exchanged text messages with his new teammate.
Turner added that Antetokounmpo’s defense and intangible qualities fit the team perfectly. He also expressed his respect for the commitment of the Bucks players, such as Gary Trent, Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, and Ryan Rollins, who have renewed their contracts, showing a shared belief in the organization. During Indiana’s run to the NBA Finals, Turner set a team record with 46 blocks. Both Horst and Rivers consider Turner, with his 6-11 height, as the ideal complement to Antetokounmpo, thanks to his ability to open the court and his adaptation to the fast-paced style of play that Milwaukee seeks to implement.I was tired of getting shouldered and elbowed in the chest all the time. It’s a rarity to be next to him. He’s a generational player, possibly one of the best players who have played this game. I’m sure we’ll talk in the coming weeks. I’ve played against Giannis for quite a while. I’m very familiar with his game and what he’s capable of. I see a perfect fit. He’s someone who can push the ball, get out in transition, create for people. He’s developed a shot.
Myles Turner
Giannis came to me the day after the season and we were already talking about next season. So there’s a lot more conversation outside of Milwaukee than inside Milwaukee. Giannis loves Milwaukee. We love Giannis, and it’s been a great relationship. We’ve already had some of our young guys in Greece playing with him. I think we had six or seven guys who went [to Greece], several coaches. So we communicate a lot. It’s about next year and winning.
Doc Rivers
