Bucks Myles Turner primed for return vs Pacers

Pacers executives claimed they were ready to pay him, yet the Bucks closed the deal. Turner will return to Indiana on November 3 for Milwaukee’s seventh game of the season, a matchup that could spark early tensions.

Leaving was possible, though unforeseen, yet Milwaukee turned out to be the most ironic landing spot. The teams harbor a fierce rivalry, and the Pacers have knocked the Bucks out of the playoffs in consecutive seasons, deepening the hostility between them.

Myles Turner starts anew with the Bucks

Before the trade, Turner was the Pacers’ longest-serving player. He joined Indiana in the Paul George era and stayed for the next ten years. After the Pacers made an unexpected run to the NBA Finals, many expected him to secure a new contract. Instead, Indiana let him go as Tyrese Haliburton works through his ACL recovery.

The move drew plenty of criticism, but it could still benefit Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo has yet to request a trade, a promising sign for a Bucks team eager to lock him into a long-term deal. If the former MVP suits up this season, he and Turner could anchor one of the league’s top defensive frontcourts.

Turner may not match peak Lopez’s defensive dominance, but he brings greater offensive versatility — a valuable asset for a Bucks team short on shot creators beyond Giannis. He won’t take over playmaking duties, yet he can generate his own looks. After posting a career-high from three-point range, he’s set to benefit from even more catch-and-shoot chances this season.

The newest Bucks acquisition probably should not anticipate a tribute video when he returns, perhaps only after several years when feelings have settled. What he can be certain of is hearing a chorus of boos. In a meeting already filled with tension, his situation gives fans on both sides another reason to circle the date on the early-season calendar.

For the moment, Milwaukee is working to shape a championship contender around its strong front court. The Bucks and Pacers will face off again in November, with Turner’s presence adding a new layer to the rivalry.