Pacers President Learns of Turner’s Departure via Social Media
INDIANAPOLIS — Kevin Pritchard, the Indiana Pacers’ president of basketball operations, discovered Myles Turner’s contract agreement through social media. The negotiations between Pritchard and Turner, the team’s longest-serving player, came to an abrupt halt on July 1 at 11:07 a.m. ET when ESPN’s Shams Charania announced via X that Turner had signed a four-year, $107 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, ending his decade-long stint with the Pacers. Turner officially signed the deal on Monday, shortly before Pritchard addressed the media regarding the Pacers’ NBA Finals run and subsequent changes.
Negotiation Turbulence
“We would have considered a sign-and-trade as a mutually beneficial option, but we didn’t reach that stage,” Pritchard remarked. He stated that he learned of Turner’s departure the same way everyone else did—through a tweet. Alongside Tyrese Haliburton’s significant injury—confirmed to sideline him for the entire 2025-26 season—the loss of Turner marked a major adjustment for the Pacers. Pritchard had planned for Turner to return with a new contract, insisting that the Achilles injury did not influence their negotiations.
Owners Ready to Spend
Pritchard indicated that the Pacers’ owners were prepared to go deep into the luxury tax to secure Turner, emphasizing their genuine intentions during negotiations. He noted the challenges of dealing with unrestricted free agency, stating, “Sometimes you’re in discussions, but a player can simply choose to accept an offer.” He evaded a direct question about whether the Pacers had an opportunity to match Milwaukee’s offer, admitting that the Bucks’ maneuvering caught the team off guard.
Bucks’ Strategic Moves
The Bucks utilized the waive and stretch provision to waive guard Damian Lillard, allowing them to spread his remaining salary over five years, thereby freeing up salary cap space to accommodate Turner’s contract. This move is noted as the largest waive and stretch in NBA history. “I was shocked,” Pritchard said, discussing Turner’s exit and the unexpected nature of the Bucks’ offer.
Turner’s Legacy with the Pacers
Drafted 11th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, Turner has built a significant legacy with the Pacers, holding franchise records in blocks, games played, and points. He averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in the 2024-25 season, although his performance dipped during the NBA Finals against the Thunder.
Roster Adjustments Underway
Despite his struggles in the Finals, Turner was integral to the Pacers’ most successful season in history. Pritchard humorously noted that replacing Turner would require a “clone,” as the team begins retooling their roster. The Pacers also opted to keep Tony Bradley for the upcoming season and traded for reserve center Jay Huff.
Future Plans and Player Recovery
Pritchard disclosed plans to re-sign Isaiah Jackson while reflecting on Haliburton’s resilience amid his recent injury. He declined to reveal Haliburton’s reaction regarding Turner’s move but praised his character, indicating the team’s deep concern for his well-being. As the Pacers navigate this transition, Pritchard remains optimistic about Haliburton’s recovery.
