Myles Turner finally spoke out, sharing his thoughts and feelings about parting ways with the Indiana Pacers. Fans will know that Turner is one of the top-tier centers in the league and is viewed as an elite shot blocker, rebounder and rim protector.
Although he never experienced much postseason success with the Pacers, all of that changed over the past few seasons, culminating in a trip to the 2025 NBA Finals. While Turner did his best to aid Tyrese Haliburton and the rest of the Pacers squad, the team ultimately lost in seven games to the OKC Thunder.
While the Pacers fan base may have presumed that the team would be eager to retain Turner’s services, they allowed him to leave and join the Bucks. The star center has embraced the start of a new chapter in his career, but is unable to forget the way things ended with the Pacers.
How Does Myles Turner Feel About Being Disrespected by the Indiana Pacers?
Turner averaged a solid 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists last season with the Pacers. He also recorded two blocks a game and was instrumental in anchoring their defense and strengthening their interior presence.
Despite making it to the Finals, a sign that the Pacers are on the verge of winning a title, the organization was hesitant to offer Turner a contract extension. This was because the Pacers were looking to increase salary cap space and maintain flexibility, rather than risking the penalties that come with having too many stars with large contracts on their roster.
Turner likely knew that the Pacers were dealing with this conflict throughout the offseason. Moreover, he has consistently been linked to trade rumors over the past several years, which would lead fans to assume that he was open to moving on from the Pacers or had at the very least accepted his future.
During a recent interview, the Bucks star criticized his former team’s ownership for giving up when they were so close to accomplishing their ultimate goal.
“Ownership made a decision and I kind of had no choice but to roll with it… The toughest part is we were just so close to accomplishing the ultimate goal. It just feels like they gave up.”
Myles Turner on his exit from the Pacers
“Ownership made a decision and I kind of had no choice but to roll with it… The toughest part is we were just so close to accomplishing the ultimate goal. It just feels like they gave up.”
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— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) November 3, 2025
There is no real way to know why the Pacers organization decided to move in this direction. They let one of their franchise cornerstones leave and sign a four-year contract with the Bucks for $108 million.
Perhaps Haliburton tearing his right Achilles Tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals convinced the Pacers that there was no point in retaining Turner when their star point guard may take a season or two to return to full strength. In any case, fans are left wondering if Turner will finally be able to win a championship this upcoming season alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.