Myles Turner Signs with Milwaukee Bucks
In a significant move during the 2025 NBA free agency, Myles Turner, the 29-year-old center who played a pivotal role in the Indiana Pacers’ remarkable journey to the NBA Finals, has reportedly signed a lucrative four-year contract worth $107 million with the Milwaukee Bucks. According to renowned sports journalist Shams Charania of ESPN, this contract includes a player option for the 2028-29 season and a full 15% trade kicker, making him one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason.
Turner’s Performance and Impact
Turner concluded the 2024-25 NBA season with impressive averages of 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.5 assists per game, aided by an impressive shooting line of 48% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 77% from the free-throw line. His contributions were vital as the Pacers not only reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive year but also made their first appearance in the NBA Finals in 25 years.
Despite his desire to remain with the Pacers, Turner faced an obstacle due to the team’s reluctance to incur luxury tax penalties, especially following an injury to star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, which thwarted any efforts to negotiate a new deal. Charania reports that this situation ultimately led to his departure to Milwaukee.
Defensive Prowess and Offensive Skills
Turner’s defensive prowess was highlighted by his exceptional performance during the season. He was among only four players in the league to achieve at least 100 blocked shots, 100 three-pointers, and 50 steals, demonstrating his dual-threat capability as a rim protector and an outside shooter. According to advanced statistics, opponents managed only a 57.7% success rate within the painted area against him, showcasing his defensive reliability. Furthermore, Indiana’s defensive efficiency ranked in the top 8, yielding just 112.7 points per 100 possessions while Turner was on the court, a key factor in their success throughout the season.
In addition to his defensive skills, he also thrived offensively, setting personal bests with 39.6% shooting from beyond the arc on 5.5 attempts per game. This inside-out skill set has made him a crucial player for the Pacers, complementing Haliburton’s game. The synergy between the two was acknowledged by Haliburton, who expressed how Turner effectively enhanced his own playing style, particularly in pick-and-roll scenarios.
Looking Ahead
Turner’s journey in the NBA has been tumultuous, marked by trade speculation over the years. However, after ten seasons, he has emerged as a leading figure in the league’s evolving frontcourt landscape, embodying the qualities that teams like the Bucks covet: a versatile big man who can stretch the floor while providing strong interior defense. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career in Milwaukee, Turner carries with him the weight of both a significant contract and the expectations that come with it—aiming to contribute at a championship-caliber level in the seasons to come.
“I’ve been in this league long enough to know that individual accolades are fleeting; championships are what last forever,” Turner remarked before the Finals, reflecting on his journey and his new opportunities.
Now, he hopes to fulfill that ambition with the Bucks, who will look to leverage his talent in their quest for an NBA title.
