Myles Turner's Departure from Pacers to Bucks: A Domino Effect of Unforeseen Events

If the Indiana Pacers were candid this morning, they might admit it would have been preferable to lose the NBA Championship on their home court in Game 6 against the Oklahoma City Thunder rather than face the subsequent chain of events. The Thunder celebrating at Gainbridge Fieldhouse would have been a bitter pill, but it would have spared Tyrese Haliburton a severe injury. Instead, Haliburton tore his right Achilles tendon just seven minutes into Game 7, setting off a series of repercussions that culminated in Myles Turner leaving the Pacers for the Milwaukee Bucks.

The stunning conclusion to Turner’s decade-long tenure with the Pacers occurred on Tuesday when he agreed to a four-year, $107 million deal with the Bucks, a division rival. The move was unexpected yet not entirely surprising, given Turner’s long-standing presence in trade rumors and his lackluster performance in the finals against OKC. However, Milwaukee’s acquisition of Turner hit Indiana hard, especially considering the fierce rivalry between the two franchises.

A Rivalry Intensified

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle highlighted the intensity of the rivalry, noting, “we’ve played them 20 times the last two years.” The animosity between the teams was palpable, especially after the Pacers’ victory over Milwaukee in the playoffs, which led to a heated exchange between Haliburton’s father and Giannis Antetokounmpo. This backdrop of rivalry added an extra layer of sting to Turner’s departure.

The Bucks, eager to maintain their competitive edge in the Eastern Conference amidst financial constraints, made a bold move to acquire Turner. They waived and stretched Damian Lillard’s contract, spreading his $113 million extension over five years, marking the largest use of the NBA’s stretch provision in history. This financial maneuvering allowed Milwaukee to accommodate Turner’s substantial salary, despite the significant cap challenges they face.

Indiana’s Strategic Dilemma

Turner’s exit is a significant blow to Indiana, losing their longest-tenured player and a key figure in their recent successes. Throughout the finals, Turner openly discussed the mental health challenges he faced and how reaching the finals was a cathartic experience. Carlisle was a staunch supporter of Turner, emphasizing his importance to the franchise’s history and future plans.

However, Haliburton’s injury changed the Pacers’ trajectory. A league source noted, “It changed everything.” The Pacers had been willing to pay the luxury tax to keep their core intact, but Haliburton’s absence made them reconsider. Turner’s contract demands, combined with the luxury tax implications, made it financially untenable for Indiana to match Milwaukee’s offer.

“The Pacers offered Turner a deal averaging a little more than $23 million, but Turner essentially wanted what he got from the Bucks, closer to $27 million a year.”

Exploring New Avenues

With Turner gone, the Pacers face a challenging offseason. Currently, Tony Bradley is the only center under contract for next season, prompting Indiana to explore other options. One potential target is Deandre Ayton, who recently became an unrestricted free agent after a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton, a former target of the Pacers, could fill the void left by Turner if Indiana decides to pursue him.

Ayton’s availability presents an intriguing opportunity for the Pacers, who have the financial flexibility to offer him a competitive contract. However, Ayton’s previous struggles and maturity issues raise questions about his fit with the Pacers’ culture and aspirations. A source close to Ayton indicated that Indiana would be “considered” as a potential destination, but the decision would hinge on Ayton’s willingness to embrace a new role and environment.

“The Pacers will struggle mightily without Haliburton next season. They almost certainly won’t be the East’s finals rep in 2026.”

Looking Ahead

The Pacers are at a crossroads, needing to rebuild around their remaining talent while addressing the significant gaps left by Turner’s departure and Haliburton’s injury. The team’s management will need to make strategic decisions to ensure competitiveness in the coming seasons, particularly against rivals like Milwaukee. As the offseason unfolds, Indiana’s moves will be closely watched as they navigate this period of transition and uncertainty.

While the loss of Turner is a setback, the Pacers remain committed to finding solutions and maintaining their competitive spirit. The coming months will be crucial as they seek to reinforce their roster and prepare for the challenges ahead.