In a move that has sent ripples through the NBA landscape, the Indiana Pacers are preparing for life without longtime anchor Myles Turner, who departed this offseason to sign a lucrative four-year, $108.9 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Turner's exit not only marks the end of an era for Indiana but also ignites a period of transition and uncertainty for a franchise that came tantalizingly close to championship glory just months ago.
For nearly a decade, Turner was the heart of the Pacers' interior defense, a rare center who could both stretch the floor with his shooting and protect the rim with authority. His unique skill set allowed Indiana to unlock its offensive potential, and his presence was a constant in a team that saw its share of ups and downs. So why did Turner, considered a prized asset by many inside and outside the organization, decide to leave the only NBA home he had ever known?
According to multiple insiders, the answer lies in a complex interplay of internal dynamics, financial considerations, and a dramatic injury to the Pacers' franchise star. "If Haliburton doesn't get injured, that also means that the Pacers don't lose Myles Turner to the Bucks," wrote Jasmyn Wimbush of CBS Sports. "The primary reason Turner surprisingly signed with Milwaukee this summer is that he wanted a chance to compete for a title. While he didn't outright say it, Haliburton's Achilles tear meant that Indiana no longer provided that opportunity for next season."
Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles injury, suffered late last season, cast a long shadow over the Pacers' immediate future. The team, which had reached the NBA Finals in 2025, suddenly found itself without its All-Star point guard for the entirety of the upcoming season. For Turner, now entering his prime and hungry for a championship, the prospect of another year in Indiana—potentially out of contention—proved too much to bear.
But the Haliburton injury wasn't the only factor weighing on Turner's mind. An insider revealed that internal relationships and shifting team strategies also played a role. Turner had been a focal point of the Pacers' vision for years, but as the organization began to chart a new course, questions arose about his long-term fit. "A specific sequence of happenings significantly influenced the Pacers’ decision-making process regarding Turner," an insider explained. "Internal dynamics, market forces, and future aspirations all contributed to the franchise’s decision to move on."
Financial considerations loomed large as well. The Pacers were hesitant to push deep into the luxury tax to retain Turner, especially with Haliburton sidelined and championship hopes temporarily dimmed. While Indiana made it clear they valued Turner's contributions, their initial contract offer reportedly fell short of expectations. In the end, Milwaukee's offer—both in dollars and in the promise of contention—proved irresistible for the veteran center.
Turner now slots in as the Bucks' second-best player, joining a roster that has its sights set on another NBA title. For Indiana, his departure leaves a gaping hole in the starting lineup and sets off a domino effect throughout the roster. The Pacers are currently carrying four centers into training camp—a logjam that team president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard must resolve before the 2025-26 season tips off.
Among those vying to fill the void are Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman, both of whom are returning from Achilles tendon injuries, as well as Jay Huff, acquired via trade. Tony Bradley, who joined the Pacers late last year and provided valuable rim protection in limited postseason minutes, also remains on the roster. However, with only so many spots available, tough decisions loom.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, "Although the Pacers have a full 15-man roster at this moment, it is expected that they won't keep both James Wiseman and Tony Bradley entering the 2025-26 season. Both players have non-guaranteed contracts and can be leveraged if Indiana looks to make a roster upgrade."
The battle for the final rotation spot is particularly intriguing. Wiseman, just 24 years old and a former No. 2 overall pick, brings tantalizing upside but has struggled to stay healthy and consistent since entering the league. He appeared in only one healthy game for Indiana last season, tallying six points in five minutes of action. Bradley, by contrast, is a 27-year-old journeyman who has played for five NBA teams, carving out a reputation as a reliable backup big. In 14 regular-season games with the Pacers, he averaged 4.4 points on 64.4 percent shooting, along with 3.0 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in just over eight minutes per game. He also saw action in 11 playoff games during Indiana's Finals run.
The Pacers’ offseason moves have drawn scrutiny from analysts, with some ranking their transactions among the NBA’s least effective. Letting go of sharpshooting backup Thomas Bryant and adding Jay Huff have further muddied the center rotation. The front office, led by Pritchard, faces the delicate task of balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term development, all while managing the expectations of a fanbase still buzzing from the team’s recent Finals appearance.
For Turner, the move to Milwaukee represents a fresh start and a renewed shot at glory. He leaves Indiana as one of the franchise’s most accomplished big men, but also as a symbol of the difficult choices that define modern NBA roster building. As one insider put it, "Turner’s exit is not just a loss for the Pacers; it signifies a larger narrative about player management and team evolution in the NBA."
Meanwhile, the Pacers are already looking ahead. While the absence of Haliburton and Turner will make a return to the Finals a tall order, team officials remain optimistic about their playoff chances. The hope is that Haliburton’s eventual return for the 2026-27 season will restore Indiana’s status as a contender. Until then, it’s up to the remaining centers—and the rest of the roster—to step up and keep the Pacers in the postseason hunt. After all, as the past two years have shown, anything can happen once you make the playoffs.
As the dust settles, all eyes are on Indiana’s training camp battles and Milwaukee’s championship aspirations. One thing’s for sure: the NBA’s ever-changing landscape just got a little more unpredictable.
