Indiana Pacers fans—and even coach Rick Carlisle—are reeling after longtime center Myles Turner chose to leave for Milwaukee, prompting ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst to deliver a scathing verdict on *First Take*. Windhorst didn’t mince words:
> “If I’m an Indiana Pacer right now, I’m absolutely disgusted, I am sick to my stomach. If I’m Tyrese Haliburton, I am breaking things right now. If I’m Rick Carlisle, I’m furious…” ([si.com][1])
Turner, a key defensive anchor and veteran presence for Indiana since 2015, inked a four‑year, \$107 million deal with the Bucks—rich enough to necessitate Milwaukee waiving and stretching Damian Lillard’s massive contract ([talksport.com][2]). The move allowed the Bucks to bolster their frontcourt alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, though Ma Giannis reportedly wasn’t thrilled about Lillard’s departure ([talksport.com][2]).
For the Pacers, Turner’s departure stings doubly: he walked away for nothing—Indiana couldn’t or wouldn’t exceed the luxury tax threshold, having reportedly capped their final offer at around \$20 million per year, far below what Turner ultimately secured ([ipacers.com][3]). This, on the heels of their heartbreaking Finals loss and Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury, leaves the team glaringly thin at center.
In short: called “absolutely disgusted” by insiders, the Pacers now face brutal criticism and tough decisions as they scramble to rebuild around a decimated core.
