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The Indiana Pacers are entering a transitional period that few around the NBA could have predicted just months ago. The departure of Myles Turner, the franchise’s longest-tenured player and arguably one of its most influential figures over the past decade, marks the end of an era in Indianapolis. His decision to leave the Pacers and sign with the Milwaukee Bucks has sent ripples across the league, and it has left both the organization and its fan base grappling with the reality of moving forward without a player who had become synonymous with Indiana basketball. For Tyrese Haliburton, the young All-Star guard who has emerged as the face of the franchise in recent years, the news is bittersweet. In his measured response to questions about Turner’s departure, Haliburton demonstrated not only leadership and maturity but also a deep respect for the contributions Turner has made to the team over the years.
“Since I’ve gotten here and for the last 10 years, Myles’ name has been synonymous with our organization,” Haliburton said when asked about Turner leaving the Pacers. “He’s done a lot here… but at the end of the day, it’s a business. He’s gotta do what’s best for him. I wish him the best moving forward.”
Haliburton’s words capture the delicate balance of emotions that often accompany moments like these. On the one hand, there is a recognition of Turner’s immense impact on the Pacers, both on and off the court. On the other, there is the understanding that the NBA is, above all else, a business—a league where loyalty and long-term stability are often overshadowed by the ever-present pursuit of championships, financial security, and personal goals.
For the Pacers, losing Turner is not just about losing a talented center who can stretch the floor, protect the rim, and anchor the defense. It is also about losing a leader and a symbol of continuity for a team that has seen plenty of changes over the past decade. Drafted 11th overall by Indiana in 2015, Turner quickly grew into a cornerstone of the franchise. His shot-blocking ability and versatile skill set allowed him to thrive in various team contexts, whether as part of a rebuilding effort or as a key contributor on playoff teams.
Turner’s journey with the Pacers was not without its challenges. Over the years, he was frequently mentioned in trade rumors, sometimes seen as the player who might be moved to help the team acquire additional talent or draft picks. Yet, despite the constant speculation, Turner remained committed to the Pacers. He embraced his role as the defensive anchor, developing his offensive game while continuing to excel as one of the league’s premier shot-blockers. His ability to stretch defenses with his three-point shooting made him a unique weapon at the center position, and his leadership in the locker room earned him the respect of his teammates.
However, as Haliburton alluded to in his comments, the NBA landscape is constantly shifting. For Turner, the opportunity to join the Milwaukee Bucks—an organization led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and widely viewed as a perennial contender in the Eastern Conference—was simply too good to pass up. In Milwaukee, Turner will have the chance to compete for a championship alongside one of the league’s most dominant players, something that may not have been as realistic in Indiana given the Pacers’ current roster and competitive window.
The Pacers reportedly were close to matching Milwaukee’s offer but ultimately never got the chance to counter. This has led to speculation that Turner’s decision was not solely based on money but rather on the opportunity to win and the appeal of playing for a team that is in win-now mode. For a player who has spent his entire career with a single organization, enduring both the highs and the lows, the chance to start fresh and chase a ring is understandable.
For Haliburton, who is still just 24 years old and represents the future of the Pacers, Turner’s departure is both a challenge and an opportunity. Without Turner in the lineup, Haliburton will have to take on an even greater leadership role. While he has already established himself as an elite playmaker and one of the best young guards in the NBA, the responsibility of guiding a team through a transitional phase will test his abilities both on and off the court. His comments about Turner reveal a maturity that suggests he is ready for that challenge.
The Pacers’ front office, led by general manager Chad Buchanan and head coach Rick Carlisle, now faces the task of retooling the roster to ensure that Haliburton is surrounded by the right mix of talent. While Indiana has been competitive in recent seasons, making playoff pushes and developing a promising young core, the departure of a key veteran like Turner will require adjustments. Whether that means exploring trades, targeting free agents, or continuing to build through the draft, the Pacers will need to be strategic in how they fill the void left by Turner’s exit.
Turner’s move to Milwaukee also has implications for the broader NBA landscape. The Bucks, already a formidable team with Giannis and a strong supporting cast, have now added one of the league’s best defensive centers. Turner’s ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor will complement Giannis’s interior dominance, potentially creating one of the most dangerous frontcourt pairings in the league. For teams in the Eastern Conference, this development raises the stakes. Contenders like the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers will need to account for the new-look Bucks when preparing for the postseason.
For Pacers fans, Turner’s departure is a tough pill to swallow. Over his 10 seasons in Indiana, Turner became a fan favorite, known not just for his on-court performance but also for his community involvement and loyalty to the city. His presence was a constant during a decade that saw the franchise go through multiple phases, from the final years of the Paul George era to the rise of players like Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis, and now Tyrese Haliburton. Losing a player who has been so closely associated with the team’s identity is never easy, but there is also an appreciation for what Turner gave to the franchise.
Haliburton’s comments reflect this sentiment. By acknowledging Turner’s contributions while also respecting his decision to leave, Haliburton is setting the tone for how the organization and its fans can move forward. “At the end of the day, it’s a business,” he said—a simple but powerful reminder that the NBA is driven by a complex mix of personal ambition, financial considerations, and team strategy.
In many ways, Haliburton’s response also underscores the leadership qualities that have made him such a vital part of the Pacers’ future. Since being acquired from the Sacramento Kings in a blockbuster trade, Haliburton has quickly emerged as not only the team’s best player but also its emotional and strategic leader. His ability to navigate difficult moments with poise and professionalism suggests that the Pacers are in good hands as they chart a new path forward.
As the Pacers prepare for the upcoming season, much of the focus will be on how they adapt to life without Turner. From a basketball standpoint, replacing his defensive presence and floor-spacing ability will not be easy. The team will likely rely on a combination of young players and strategic acquisitions to fill the gap, but there is no denying that Turner’s departure leaves a significant void. Off the court, Turner’s leadership and experience will also be missed, particularly for a team that is still relatively young and developing.
For Milwaukee, the addition of Turner represents another bold move in their pursuit of another NBA championship. Pairing Turner with Giannis could give the Bucks a defensive anchor capable of protecting the rim while also creating spacing on offense. This combination of skills makes Turner an ideal fit for a team that already boasts an elite core of players. With Jrue Holiday’s defensive prowess, Khris Middleton’s scoring ability, and Giannis’s all-around dominance, the Bucks have constructed a roster that will be difficult to match. Turner’s presence could very well be the missing piece that propels them back to the Finals.
Looking back on Turner’s tenure in Indiana, there is much to celebrate. He leaves as one of the franchise’s all-time leaders in blocked shots and as a player who consistently gave his all on both ends of the court. While the Pacers may not have reached the heights they hoped for during his time with the team, Turner’s contributions laid the foundation for future success. He helped bridge the gap between eras, serving as a steady presence during times of change and uncertainty.
For Haliburton and the rest of the Pacers, the challenge now is to build on that foundation. The organization has made it clear that Haliburton is the centerpiece of its future plans, and his development will be crucial to the team’s success. With Turner gone, Haliburton will have even more opportunities to showcase his skills as a leader and playmaker. His ability to elevate his teammates and navigate the ups and downs of an NBA season will be tested like never before, but there is every reason to believe that he is up to the task.
Turner’s decision to join Milwaukee highlights a broader trend in the NBA, where players are increasingly willing to move to situations that offer them the best chance to compete for a championship. For veterans who have spent years with a single organization, the allure of joining a contender can be strong, especially when the window for winning at the highest level is limited. Turner’s move is not a rejection of Indiana but rather a personal choice to pursue a new challenge and chase the ultimate goal in professional basketball.
In the end, both Turner and the Pacers are entering new chapters. For Turner, it is an opportunity to play alongside one of the greatest players of his generation in Giannis and to compete for a championship. For the Pacers, it is a chance to fully embrace the Haliburton era and to build a team that reflects his style of play and leadership. While the departure of a long-time star is always difficult, it can also serve as a catalyst for growth and renewal.
As Haliburton continues to grow into his role as the franchise leader, moments like this will shape his journey. His ability to handle the situation with grace and respect speaks volumes about his character and his commitment to the team’s success. While the Pacers may face challenges in the short term, the presence of a young star like Haliburton gives them hope for a bright future.
The story of Myles Turner’s departure and Tyrese Haliburton’s response is ultimately one of change, growth, and the ever-evolving nature of professional sports. It is a reminder that while players may come and go, the values of teamwork, respect, and perseverance remain constant. For Indiana, this is a moment to reflect on what has been lost but also to look forward to what can be gained. The road ahead may be uncertain, but with leaders like Haliburton at the helm, the Pacers have every reason to believe that their best days are still to come.
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