Myles Turner’s decision to leave the Indiana Pacers for the Milwaukee Bucks shocked the NBA world. The move came after Turner helped lead the Pacers to the NBA Finals, but contract disagreements ultimately forced the split. Indiana wasted no time finding a replacement, trading for Memphis Grizzlies center Jay Huff in what fans are calling a savvy move.
Why Did the Pacers Let Myles Turner Walk to Milwaukee?
Turner always wanted to stay with the Pacers, but disagreements over contract issues reportedly led to the split. The veteran center wanted $25 million per year, but Indiana wasn’t willing to pay anything beyond $22 million. That $3 million gap proved too wide to bridge.
Turner ended up with a considerably better offer from Milwaukee: a four-year, $107 million deal worth $26.75 million annually. The Bucks got a two-time NBA blocks leader who averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 30.2 minutes per game during the 2024-25 season.
To replace Turner, the Pacers sent a second-round draft pick and a second-round pick swap to Memphis for Huff, who carries just a $2.3 million cap hit this season. The financial difference is staggering: Indiana is paying roughly 9% of what Milwaukee is spending for their center position.
Can Jay Huff Really Replace Myles Turner’s Production?
Pacers fans are convinced they landed a steal in the Huff trade. The 27-year-old center has never put up Turner’s numbers, but his per-36-minute statistics tell an interesting story. During the 2024-25 season, Huff appeared in 64 games for Memphis, averaging 6.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in just 11.7 minutes per game as a backup to Jaren Jackson Jr.
“My hot take is that the pacers won’t miss much going from Myles to Huff,” a fan wrote.
“Jay huff better than Myles Turner ever was,” a second fan wrote.
The numbers game becomes more compelling when you project Huff’s limited minutes to a full starter’s workload. His per-36-minute averages from the 2024-25 season would translate to roughly 21.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. Those projections actually exceed Turner’s actual production in several categories.
Obviously not a 1:1 comparison but just looking at some raw numbers, with Jay Huff the Pacers are getting around 50% of Myles Turner’s production at <10% of the price
Every small market team should be taking notes on how that front office operates pic.twitter.com/6iKJkqZdcD
— WBR (@W_B_Rick) July 5, 2025
Huff’s shooting efficiency gives Indiana another reason for optimism. The 7’1″ center shot 40.5% from three-point range during the 2024-25 season, compared to Turner’s 35.8%. Huff also brings rim-running ability and can space the floor effectively, skills that should mesh well with Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking.
Jay Huff is going to be a fan favorite
pic.twitter.com/g5cNDMFQd3— Yeah Yeah! (@YeahYeahOkBro) July 5, 2025
The biggest question mark surrounds Huff’s ability to handle a high-usage role. He averaged nearly one block per game for Memphis, but that defensive impact came in limited minutes. Turner’s rim protection was elite, leading the league in blocks twice during his career. Some fans acknowledge this concern while remaining optimistic about the trade.
“The Jay Huff era begins in Indiana. His per 36 numbers last year were comparable to Turner. The question is can he handle more minutes to be in a platoon with Bradley & Bryant,” a fan wrote.
“Jay huff with Tyrese Haliburton could give you 80 percent of Myles turners offensive output,” wrote another.
My long-form evaluation of why Jay Huff is an upgrade over Myles Turner.
And even if you don’t agree, for 20 less M a year, does that change your mind? Personally believe it’s the Pacers being smart rather than stingy. pic.twitter.com/XYUod4BSKp
— FourFoot (@FootFour4076) July 7, 2025
Indiana’s front office clearly believes Huff can step into a larger role. The Virginia product has shown flashes of potential throughout his career, including a brief stint with Washington during the 2022-23 season where he posted higher per-game averages in limited action. His best statistical season came during the 2024-25 campaign with Memphis, where he proved he could contribute consistently as a rotation player.
The Pacers likely won’t thrust Huff into a full-time starting role immediately. Indiana has other frontcourt options like Isaiah Jackson and Obi Toppin who can share minutes at center. This approach could allow Huff to gradually increase his workload while the team evaluates his ability to handle the starter’s minutes.
From a salary cap perspective, the Huff trade gives Indiana significant flexibility. The $23 million difference between Huff’s and Turner’s salaries could allow the Pacers to pursue other roster upgrades or retain key players when their contracts expire. For a small-market team that just reached the NBA Finals, financial flexibility remains crucial for sustained success.
Whether Huff can truly replace Turner’s production remains to be seen. The statistical projections look promising, and his shooting efficiency gives Indiana a different dimension offensively. However, Turner’s defensive presence and playoff experience will be difficult to replicate. The Pacers are betting that Huff’s potential, combined with the massive salary savings, apparently makes this trade a win for their franchise’s future.
