Turner accuses Pacers of “giving up” on $66 million offer
The Milwaukee Bucks had several major concerns during the offseason, most notably the lack of clarity surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future. Their biggest arrival was undoubtedly Myles Turner, who joined after spending a decade with the Indiana Pacers.
As surprising as the move was, Turner recently claimed it it was more the result absence of Pacers action.
“Ownership made a decision and I kind of had no choice but to go ahead with it. The hardest part is that we were so close to the end goal. It feels like they gave up,” Turner told ESPN.
He said ownership in Indiana made a choice that left him with little agency, adding that the hardest part was feeling like the franchise “gave up” just when they were close to a title.
“(Indiana) made it very clear how much they valued me. And so did the Milwaukee Bucks. They always told me when I was in trade rumors, this is a job, this is a job, this is a job. “And that’s what the decision was for me. It was a business decision. “It’s unfortunate that it came at the time it did, but it’s a $40 million difference at the end of the day,” he concluded.
Turner said he planned a low-key offseason after the Finals and that he expects a new deal with Indiana. only to see negotiations stall when the Pacers never made an offer over $22 million annually over three years. Milwaukee presented a materially different package: a four-year, $107 million deal that included a player option for the final season.
Turner admitted that the timing felt unfortunate, but he made the decision necessary given the financial difference and the time involved in his career. He clearly believes the Bucks made him an offer that was more fair while also giving him a chance to compete for a title.
2025-11-03 15:37:00
