Here’s the scoop on Myles Turner’s unexpected departure:
Myles Turner, after an entire decade with the Indiana Pacers, has officially signed with the Milwaukee Bucks on a **four‑year, \$107 million deal**, featuring a player option for 2028–29 and a 15 % trade kicker ([apnews.com][1]). To clear the necessary cap space, the Bucks are waiving Damian Lillard — who is rehabbing from a torn Achilles — and stretching the remaining \$113 million of his contract over five years ([reuters.com][2]).
Turner, the Pacers’ all‑time leader in blocked shots and a crucial member of their Finals run, previously averaged **15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game** in the regular season ([reuters.com][2]). His departure marks the end of a franchise era; many view this setback as a turning point for Indiana ([sportskeeda.com][3]).
The move has stirred controversy in Milwaukee, too — star Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly isn’t thrilled that Lillard was cut to make room for Turner ([reuters.com][2]). Meanwhile, the Pacers are lamenting the loss of their longest-tenured player, a cornerstone of their taking-off identity ([talksport.com][4]).
In short: Turner’s exit is official and dramatic — a \$107 mil signing for the Bucks, a major shift for Indiana, and unexpected internal tensions brewing in Milwaukee.
* [reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-giannis-down-bucks-dumping-damian-lillard-signing-myles-turner-2025-07-01/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [talksport.com](https://talksport.com/basketball/3339951/damian-lillard-milwaukee-bucks-giannis-antetokounmpo-myles-turner-pacers/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/978b8bd4076ca59d7bb8c3dddd25003e?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
[1]: https://apnews.com/article/978b8bd4076ca59d7bb8c3dddd25003e?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Myles Turner will join Bucks, who waive Damian Lillard, AP source says, in a free agency surprise”
[2]: https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-giannis-down-bucks-dumping-damian-lillard-signing-myles-turner-2025-07-01/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Report: Giannis down on Bucks dumping Damian Lillard, signing Myles Turner”
[3]: https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-pacers-window-officially-closed-nba-fans-react-myles-turner-leaving-indiana-join-giannis-antetokounmpo-s-bucks?utm_source=chatgpt.com “\”Pacers window officially closed\” – NBA fans react to Myles Turner leaving Indiana to join Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks”
[4]: https://talksport.com/basketball/3339951/damian-lillard-milwaukee-bucks-giannis-antetokounmpo-myles-turner-pacers/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “‘Absolutely disgusted’ – Milwaukee Bucks make stunning move on rival star while leaving Giannis Antetokounmpo upset”
