The Indiana Pacers entered the 2025 NBA offseason with a strong expectation of keeping starting center Myles Turner on a long-term contract. However, those plans were quickly thrown in the trash can.
Despite the expectation that Turner would re-sign with the Pacers, he ended up inking a four-year, $108 million contract with the division rival Milwaukee Bucks. It was a shocking turn of events for a team that had made a run to the NBA Finals. Indiana also took the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games in the Finals.
Turner has played all 10 of his NBA seasons with the Pacers. Making the switch to the Bucks will be a major change for him.
As for Indiana, losing Turner was a tough blow. He was a key part of the team and has been extremely loyal to the franchise up to this point.
Following the move by Turner to leave town, one Pacers’ executive spoke out honestly about the situation.
While speaking anonymously to Keith Smith of Spotrac, the Indiana executive revealed more about where the team stands following Turner’s departure.
“It’s tough. Myles was so important to everything we’ve been over the last decade,” the executive said. “But we have to be smart, both right now and in the future. We feel like we used our assets well to get center options in the building that can help us continue to be a really good team.”
What makes did the Pacers make to round out their center rotation? James Wiseman was re-signed, Isaiah Jackson was brought back, and the team traded with the Memphis Grizzlies for Jay Huff. Those three players will form a center by committee situation for Indiana.
During the 2024-25 NBA season with the Pacers, Turner averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, two blocks, and 1.5 assists per game in 72 appearances, shooting 48.1 percent from the floor and 39.6 percent from three-point range.
Being able to replace that kind of production will not be easy for Indiana. However, the Pacers have three pieces in place that they believe can accomplish the goal. It will be interesting to see if they can rebound quickly from losing Turner.
