After 10 years in Indiana and one heartbreaking Finals loss, Myles Turner is finally explaining why he walked away from the only NBA home he’d ever known to chase a championship in Milwaukee.
Why Did Myles Turner Leave the Pacers After Reaching the NBA Finals?
Myles Turner recently appeared on Kyrie Irving’s 24-hour livestream event, where he opened up about his decision to leave the Indiana Pacers.
Despite reaching the NBA Finals in 2024-25, Turner clarified that his departure wasn’t about a fairy tale ending.
“At the end of the day, bro, it’s not a Cinderella story, you know what I mean? I think that’s how people are trying to form this. I made the best decision for myself and my family in my prime, which is how I saw fit,” Turner shared with Irving.
The veteran center spent a decade in Indianapolis, with his final season culminating in the franchise’s first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. However, reaching Game 7 of the Finals wasn’t enough to keep him in Indiana.
“I think the way I viewed it is that I wanted to be thankful for just the people that rocked with me the entire time, my 10-year journey in Indiana, and also let them realize that I made the best decision for me,” Turner explained.
What Led Turner to Choose Milwaukee Over Indiana?
Turner’s departure marks the end of an era for the Pacers. The decision came down to more than just basketball, as the center felt a change of scenery would benefit his career. He ultimately chose to form a partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo under head coach Doc Rivers.
Myles Turner, Milwaukee Buck. pic.twitter.com/W6896LxGxD
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 12, 2025
“If you could sit down before free agency started and draw the perfect fit next to Giannis, it was a picture of him,” Rivers explained during Turner’s official Bucks reveal, pointing to his new center seated a couple of feet to his right.
Reports indicate Turner left the Pacers due to what he considered a lowball offer worth $23 million per year. Instead, he signed a four-year deal worth $108.9 million with Milwaukee.
“There were alignment issues, I think, on that side as far as me and them, out of respect to their organization, out of respect for this organization. I’m not going to speak on that. But again, this was just the best decision for me moving forward.”
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Despite suggestions that his move to Milwaukee was purely financial, Turner emphasized that staying competitive was his primary motivation. On Irving’s livestream, he claimed he was “just getting started” as he entered the prime of his career.
In 2024-25, Turner connected on a career-high 39.6% from three-point range while averaging 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks. Now paired with Antetokounmpo and Rivers, Turner believes his best basketball is still ahead of him.
