Pacers Star Reveals Honest Thoughts on Myles Turner's Exit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Aug 11, 2025 11:13 PM ET

Even though the Indiana Pacers had one of the best playoff runs last season, that wasn't enough to keep Myles Turner on the team. When he became an unrestricted free agent, the Milwaukee Bucks saw it as a chance to upgrade from Brook Lopez. The Bucks waived All-Star guard Damian Lillard, who is still rehabbing from an Achilles tear, and signed Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal.

It was a surprising move by the Bucks, and Pacers fans were caught off guard. Turner was the longest tenured player in the organization, spending his first 10 years in Indiana. But the center believes he has a better shot at winning and getting paid in Milwaukee.

Tyrese Haliburton Holds No Grudge in Turner's Exit

Over the weekend, Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton appeared as a guest on the podcast "Self Made Pro." One of the questions asked was his thoughts on Turner's exit. According to the two-time All-Star, he doesn't hold a grudge and believes that his former teammate wants the best for himself and his family.

“Good question. I’m happy for the man," Haliburton said. "The thing about the NBA is, there’s only so many of us. You want to see dudes get paid, you want to see dudes be able to take care of their families."

“I don’t hold a grudge.”

However, Haliburton admitted that he didn't want to see Turner join the Bucks. Over the past two seasons, Indiana faced Milwaukee in the first round of the playoffs. In both occasions, though, the Pacers came out victorious.

Turner played an integral role in leading the Pacers past the Bucks in the 2025 NBA playoffs. He averaged 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in five games.

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

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