Indiana Pacers Rick Carlisle had Myles Turner anchor his defense and become his extension on the floor with his leadership. That won’t happen anymore as the big man is now with the Milwaukee Bucks after his surprise signing with the bitter rivals.
Myles Turner, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Mar 15, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket against Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
They were not ready to let him go though. The only problem is that their offer was not heard.
Appearing at the Green Light podcast, the one-time champion coach revealed that they letting Turner go was not on their mind. Turner was their longest-tenured player before the signing with Milwaukee. Carlisle also thought that he played great for them in the playoffs.
“Losing Myles Turner is a significant loss to our team. The guy’s been a terrific player he had a great season,” he said in the interview.
Carlisle then went on to detail how a supposed talk with the 2015 11th overall pick did not even take place as he accepted the offer from the Bucks right away.
Milwaukee Bucks, Damian Lillard, NBA Free Agency
Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts with forward Kyle Kuzma (18) in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game four of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Lillard left the game early in the in the first quarter with an injury. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
“We were talking to them. Them meaning his agent about him returning and you know really kind out of nowhere, Milwaukee decide to waive Damian Lillard, stretch his contract, stretch his money out over whatever number of years.”
Myles Turner being pirated is business
The coach seems to be moving on already from the situation, finding it normal in the league. He also confirmed what Pacers president Kevin Pritchard said about how they want to retain Turner.
“He can do it by rule. And then they created space to sign Myles. . . and this is part of negotiation in any sport. You know, a team will say ‘Hey! Look, we have this offer. It’s this much over this many years but if we make this offer, we need to know that you’re going to take it and not shop it. I believe that’s what probably happened with Milwaukee,” he continued.
“They just jumped at it. There was never a chance to counter.”
USATSI 20278887
Mar 20, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) slaps hands with Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle as he goes to the bench during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports
Report said Turner was looking for a contract that is bigger than Naz Reid’s five-year, $125 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Turner’s official contract with the Bucks is worth $108.9 million for four years.
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!