The Indiana Pacers’ decade-long cornerstone just became their biggest nightmare. Myles Turner, who helped Indianapolis big time to reach the 2025 NBA Finals, shocked the basketball world by signing with Milwaukee – the very team that stood in their way during the playoffs. Now Turner faces the ultimate test: can he transform from Pacers legend to Bucks champion while wearing a completely new number?
Is Myles Turner Wearing His Iconic 33 for the Bucks?
Turner was selected 11th overall by the Pacers in 2015 and was a consistent contributor throughout his 10 years with the team. He wore the No. 33 for the entire decade, but as he starts a new chapter with the Bucks, the veteran center will shift to No. 3, per NBA Numerologist Etienne Catalan.
The Bucks also confirmed Turner will wear the Number 3 while making the signing official. The number was previously worn by Kevin Porter Jr. in 2025, who agreed to return to Milwaukee on a two-year, $11 million deal. It’s not sure what number he will wear here on, but the former first-rounder has worn No. 4 and 77Â with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Clippers, respectively.
Myles Turner, Milwaukee Buck. pic.twitter.com/W6896LxGxD
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 12, 2025
Turner joins the Bucks on a four-year, $108.9 million deal, and in his first message for Milwaukee, he had fans cracking up.
It’s all love from Myles.
Our new big man checking in! pic.twitter.com/YZ7Z7IXRvz
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 11, 2025
“What’s up y’all? It’s Myles Turner checking in to the Cream City. I’m excited to join the organization, man, and it’s been quite some time, and good news, man. I don’t hate y’all no more, baby, it’s love,” said Turner in the video.
What Does Turner’s Departure Mean for the Pacers’ Future?
Over his 10-year run with the Pacers, Turner became Indiana’s all-time block leader and ranks sixth in games played for the franchise. Those numbers tell the story of a player who became synonymous with Pacers basketball.
Before heading to Milwaukee, Turner thanked the organization that drafted him and developed his career.
“Saying goodbye is never easy, especially so abruptly,” Turner said. “Together, we’ve experienced the highest of highs and some of the toughest lows: from being a lottery team to Playoff battles, injuries, the bubble, and now a finals run.”
“All of it, the good and the bad, has shaped me into who I am today, and those memories can never be taken from us,” read a part of the long farewell message that Turner posted on social media.
How Will Turner’s Elite Production Impact Milwaukee’s Championship Hopes?
Turner’s 2024-25 season production showed exactly why Milwaukee wanted him. He averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game while helping the Pacers to a solid 50-32 regular-season record.
When the playoffs arrived, Turner continued making his presence felt. He averaged 13.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks throughout the postseason. Most notably for Bucks fans, he put up 16.8 points per game in the first-round series against his now-current team.
Those playoff numbers came against the team that just handed him a four-year, $108.9 million contract with full guaranteed money and an average annual salary of $27.2 million, according to Spotrac.
What excites Milwaukee fans most isn’t just Turner’s past production. His elite rim protection and floor-spacing ability, including shooting 39.6% from three in the 2024-25 season, make him a perfect complement to star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo’s skill set.
