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Patrick Beverley picks out the real reason Indiana Pacers allowed Myles Turner to join Milwaukee Bucks
Credit: Justin Casterline/Stacy Revere via Getty Images

Myles Turner is leaving the Indiana Pacers after a decade-long stint with the organization to join conference rivals, the Milwaukee Bucks.

For the last 10 seasons, Myles Turner has been a consistent contributor for the Indiana Pacers. He even helped the team reach the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Despite Turner becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer, the expectation was for him to re-sign on a long-term deal with the Pacers.

However, Turner shocked everyone as he signed a four-year, $107 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Patrick Beverley says Tyrese Haliburton’s injury played a role in Myles Turner’s departure

In the modern era, the potential tax penalties that teams could face in the second apron have led to many surprising decisions this offseason.

Former NBA player Patrick Beverley believes this played a role in Turner’s exit from the Pacers.

“I think that’s a great fit. You talk about rim protection, you talk about something we didn’t even see coming at all. Everyone thought he was going to end up in Indiana.

“It shows you the approach of these teams. They don’t want to get in that second apron and pay that luxury tax,” Beverley said on his podcast.

There’s no doubt that Tyrese Haliburton was the key to the Pacers’ success last season. However, Haliburton tore his right Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the NBA Finals vs the Thunder.

With Hali likely out for the season, the Pacers are expected to struggle in the 2025-26 campaign.

“Haliburton’s out, we don’t know how we’re going to look, let’s wait until we get back and go from there. I’m not saying ‘let’s tank’ but let’s not overpay a guy when we don’t know how we’re going to look.

“It ain’t personal, it’s business,” he added.

Patrick Beverley ‘likes’ Myles Turner’s fit on the Milwaukee Bucks

In order to welcome Turner to the team, the Bucks surprisingly waived off star guard Damian Lillard and spread out his $113 million over the next five seasons.

Not even Giannis Antetokounmpo saw that move coming, but Pat Bev believes that the Bucks’ signing Turner over Dame is an excellent move.

“I like this for the Bucks, it gives them a lot of rim protection, not a little bit, this helps their defense a ton. I think their defense is a legitimate contender defense right now with Giannis,” Beverley continued.

“I honestly think he’s going to shoot more threes with the Bucks, now they just need to find a point guard,” he concluded.

For context, Turner averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 48.15 from the field and 39.6% from the three-point line for the Pacers last season.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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