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Milwaukee Bucks: Myles Turner Subtly Shades Pacers with Glowing Report on New Fanbase
Milwaukee Bucks: Myles Turner's Fate Predicted to Go The Same Path as Pacers' 2x All-Star Whose Career Went Terrible After He Got Traded 2 Mar 29, 2018; Sacramento, CA, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo (4) celebrates with center Myles Turner (33) after hitting the game winning three point basket during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Before signing with the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason, Myles Turner spent 10 years in Indiana, the organization that drafted him 11th overall in 2015. Despite a lackluster Finals, Turner was a key cog in the Pacers’ run to get there and a franchise cornerstone, anchoring the roster through repeated transformations: from coaches Frank Vogel to Nate McMillan to Rick Carlisle, on teams led by Paul George to Domantas Sabonis to Tyrese Haliburton.

In free agency, many assumed that Turner would remain a member of the only team he’d ever known. Despite claims to the contrary, however, the Pacers were seemingly unprepared to pay him, and the Bucks stole him away on a four-year, $109 million deal. As far as starting centers go, even with a p layer option in year four, that’s hardly an exorbitant salary.

Naturally, Pacers fans weren’t happy with Turner’s defection to their fiercest foe; if that wasn’t enough, he just threw some more shade their way beaming at how his new fanbase has received him.

With open arms, Bucks fans welcome Turner from rival ground

“The camaraderie, just the welcoming has been different than anything I’ve experienced in the past,” Turner said of his experience in Milwaukee. “I could tell people are actually really excited to have me here. It’s been a very warm welcome.” Ouch, Pacers fans.

Aside from a more generous contract, one of the main draws for Turner in joining the Bucks was the ability to continue playing in a competitive environment. Fresh off two straight Conference Finals berths for Indiana, it’s something he’s well acquainted with.

Of course, the Bucks are not recognized as title contenders entering this season, nor should they be until proven otherwise. But they are better off than the Pacers, who lost their best player, Haliburton, to a torn Achilles even before losing Turner as well.


Milwaukee Bucks: Myles Turner Subtly Shades Pacers with Glowing Report on New Fanbase 2 Dec 8, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) and Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) talk during a timeout during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

And the pedigree is there. Despite recent playoff shortcomings, Milwaukee has won more regular-season games in the last eight years than any other team. It may feel like a long time ago – a lot has happened in the meantime – but it’s only been four years since Giannis Antetokounmpo hoisted the Larry O’Brien trophy in 2021.

For his part, Turner has loved his first impression of the franchise. “It feels amazing, man. Honestly, I’ve had some good times in this city, and now to be a part of the organization, you know, the rich history behind it. Just knowing you’re part of a championship organization, that means everything to me.”


NBA News: Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle Claims They Did Not Get the Chance to Counter Milwaukee Bucks 4-Year Offer for Big Man Myles Turner 1 Mar 15, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket against Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

No longer an enemy, he will solidify a formidable frontcourt as the Bucks pursue a home playoff series in the wide open East. When the team travels to Indiana on November 3, he can count on having a bevy of supporters cheering for him back home, in addition to Bucks fans – don’t underestimate the number – who make the trip in person.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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