Picture this: You're on the brink of glory, tasting victory so vividly that it haunts your every move. That's the raw drive pushing Myles Turner to chase a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks after coming agonizingly close last season. But here's where it gets intriguing—Turner chose to switch teams despite his old squad, the Indiana Pacers, knocking out his new one in the playoffs for two years straight. Is this a bold leap of faith, or a risky gamble? Let's dive in and explore why this move could redefine the Bucks' future.
Myles Turner opened up to reporters during the 2025 Milwaukee Bucks media day, sharing how that near-miss in the finals fueled his hunger for the ultimate prize. In a surprising twist, he opted out of free agency with the Pacers—where he'd spent a decade—to ink a four-year deal worth $108.9 million with Milwaukee. For those new to the NBA world, free agency is like a player's chance to shop around for new teams, and Turner made a statement by picking a rival that had just been eliminated by his former team in the first round of the playoffs back-to-back years.
Yet, this shift hasn't dimmed his ambitions. 'There were so many seasons when winning a title felt like an impossible dream,' the 6-foot-11 center explained. 'But now, having been in that championship room and feeling how close we were, it's ignited something deeper in me.' Turner draws inspiration from the Bucks' storied past, including their 2021 title win—a victory that only a handful of current players, like two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, and Thanasis Antetokounmpo, can claim. 'Joining an organization with that winning pedigree means I get their mindset and their drive to reclaim the throne,' he added. 'Our shared vision is what makes this feel right.'
The Bucks are betting big on Turner as they aim to rejuvenate their roster with youth and agility, rebounding from three consecutive first-round playoff exits. Giannis Antetokounmpo is thrilled about the addition. 'I'm super pumped to have him on board,' Giannis said. 'As one of the top big men in the league, he meshes perfectly with our style. He adds incredible depth—think shooting from deep, dribbling past defenders, and locking down on defense. Plus, he's a stand-up guy in the locker room with top-notch character. This was a smart, gutsy move by the Bucks.' And this is the part most people miss: It's not just about talent; it's about chemistry that could turn the tide.
But here's where it gets controversial—landing Turner required some tough decisions. The team freed up salary cap space by releasing seven-time All-NBA guard Damian Lillard and agreeing to pay him about $20 million over the next five years through the NBA's stretch provision. For beginners, the stretch provision is a rule that spreads out payments to released players over time, easing the financial hit but committing funds long-term. Lillard, sidelined this season after tearing his Achilles tendon in Milwaukee's playoff defeat to Indiana, won't be suiting up. Bucks officials accepted this extended financial burden to secure a player like Turner, who they've eyed for years due to his age, skills, and potential.
General manager Jon Horst put it plainly: 'Myles has been at the top of our wish list for a while, given where he is in his career and how he plays.' Turner was soaking up the sun in Hawaii when the deal finalized, marking his first team change after 10 seasons with the Pacers. Reflecting on the emotional farewell, he shared, 'I texted the whole team through our group chat. It's bittersweet, you know? These guys are like family after all we've battled through together. You don't realize it's the last bus ride or shared meal until it's over. But at the end of the day, it's a business, and that's a lesson I've learned the hard way.'
Though Turner never earned an All-Star nod with the Pacers, he blossomed into a versatile force, blending elite rim protection with reliable three-point shooting—making him a prime fit to replace Brook Lopez, who bolted to the LA Clippers after seven years in Milwaukee. At 29, Turner is eight years younger than Lopez and boasts a resume as a two-time blocked shots leader, averaging 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Last season, he upped his game to 15.6 points and a career-high 156 threes. Coach Doc Rivers is eager to maximize that. 'I hope we can get him even more threes this year,' Rivers said. 'One thing Myles excels at is punishing switches—if a guard tries to defend him, he'll drive to the basket and dominate. That's a weapon we plan to unleash.' Rivers also noted how the Pacers used Turner more in passing lanes last year, a role he'll embrace further in Milwaukee. 'I feel like parts of my game that were sidelined before will shine now,' Turner agreed. 'I might be called on to do more than ever.'
For the Bucks to return to title contention, Turner's performance will be crucial. 'Myles is all about winning,' Horst emphasized. 'He was so close last time, and that taste has him craving it more. He picked us for this shot at glory.'
So, what do you think? Was waiving a star like Lillard for Turner a masterstroke or a potential misstep that could haunt the Bucks financially? Could this pairing with Giannis finally deliver that elusive championship, or is the pressure too much? Share your opinions in the comments—do you agree with Turner's bold choice, or see it differently? Let's discuss!
