For the first time, Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle gives his thoughts on Myles Turner’s surprising decision to jump to division rivals the Milwaukee Bucks in NBA free agency.
“Losing Myles Turner is a significant loss for our team,” Carlisle told “Green Light with Chris Long.” “I mean, the guy has been a terrific player. He had a great season. Look, we were talking to [his agent] about him returning, and really kind of out of nowhere, Milwaukee decided to waive Damian Lillard. Stretch his contract, stretch his money out over whatever number of years he could do it by rule, and then they created space to sign Myles.”
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The big man leaving Indiana after 10 seasons was probably the biggest news of 2025 NBA free agency. Not because he was the best player available — although he was the best center — but because the move stunned many. For months, reports suggested the Pacers had every intention of re-signing him. And would go into the luxury tax to bring him back.
However, he took a four-year, $108 million deal to join division rivals the Bucks. Milwaukee even used the stretch provision to waive Damian Lillard, and will pay the future Hall of Famer $22.5 million annually over the next five years.
Carlisle believes the reason why Milwaukee was able to land the team great was because they used a take-it-or-leave-it tactic that is apparently common in contract talks in free agency.
Myles Turner stats (2024-25): 15.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.6 APG, 2.0 BPG, 40% 3PT
“I think what probably happened –– and this is part of negotiations in any sport –– 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 is what probably happened with Milwaukee. They just jumped at it, and there was never a chance to counter. Those things happen. And when they do, you just gotta keep going.”
Related: NBA insider explains why Sacramento Kings traded Tyrese Haliburton to Indiana Pacers instead of De’Aaron Fox
After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos