Pacers’ Kevin Pritchard Learns Myles Turner-Bucks Deal Via Twitter
Myles Turner Leaves Indiana for Milwaukee Bucks in Surprise Move
The Indiana Pacers were taken aback when they learned that Myles Turner was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, a move announced suddenly via social media. Pacers president Kevin Pritchard expressed his surprise, stating he found out about the deal through a report by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Turner, a key player for Indiana, joined division rival Milwaukee after the Bucks waived Damian Lillard to create cap space. Pritchard mentioned that the team was open to a sign-and-trade arrangement that could have been mutually beneficial, but negotiations never reached that point. Instead, Turner was acquired after the Bucks utilized salary cap maneuvers, including waiving Lillard and stretching the remaining two years of his contract.
Turner played a vital role in Indiana’s recent playoff run, known for his shot-blocking and floor-spacing ability as a stretch big man. Following Indiana’s deep postseason push, expectations were high for the team to stay intact next season, especially with Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury expected to sideline him for the entire year. Surprisingly, the move to trade Turner came as a shock, as many believed the Pacers would keep their core together.
Indiana’s management defended the decision, with Pritchard stating that team owners were willing to pay the luxury tax to retain Turner. He emphasized that Turner had the right to choose his future, and ultimately, he decided to leave for Milwaukee. The Bucks signed Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal, using salary cap flexibility gained from waiving Lillard and stretching his contract, despite Lillard’s own injury concerns and absence for the upcoming season.
The move is seen as a gamble by Milwaukee, aimed at bolstering their roster amid uncertain prospects for the season, especially considering Giannis Antetokounmpo’s recent frustrations. However, Turner’s departure is likely to weaken the Pacers, and Indiana’s season prospects have dimmed significantly after showing promise just weeks ago.