When asked to name three things he admired about former Pacers teammate Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner was full of praise: his professionalism, his growth since joining the Kings, and most personally, the close bond they share with their families. So, when the Pacers took the court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, fans tuned in hoping to see the duo reunited. But die-hard Pacers supporters already knew it wouldn’t happen. Haliburton remains sidelined with an Achilles injury, while Turner is no longer a Pacers player.

Over the summer, the most heartbreaking news for Pacers fans was Myles Turner signing with the Bucks, their divisional rival. As the Pacers faced Milwaukee tonight, Turner was greeted with boos instead of cheers from the Indiana crowd. But a heartwarming moment followed, reflecting the third thing Turner had said about Haliburton. Angela Moryan shared a touching clip on X, writing, “Tyrese Haliburton’s dad John welcomes Myles Turner’s parents back to Gainbridge Fieldhouse with big hugs.”

Myles Turner’s decade-long journey with the Pacers came to an emotional crossroads this summer. From 2015 to 2025, he grew into a dependable starter, anchoring Indiana’s run to last season’s NBA Finals with his scoring, defense, and all-around game. He averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in 72 games in 2024-25. Fans loved him, teammates respected him, and the organization leaned on him. But when the money talks, even loyalty can change.

“Ownership made a decision and I kind of had no choice but to roll with it,” Turner told ESPN. “The toughest part is we were just so close to accomplishing the ultimate goal. It just feels like they gave up.” After years of giving his all to Indiana, that sting must have hit hard. The Pacers’ top offer never went above $22 million a year, while the Bucks came knocking with a four-year, $107 million deal. Suddenly, the decision was impossible to ignore—business, timing, and the chance to chase a championship all pointed Turner toward Milwaukee.

“I’ve always been told when I was in trade rumors, this is a business, this is a business, this is a business,” he said. “And that’s kind of what this decision was for me. It was a business decision. It’s unfortunate that it came at the time that it did, but it’s a $40 million difference at the end of the day.”

Still, the human side of basketball doesn’t follow spreadsheets. Stepping onto the Gainbridge Fieldhouse floor in Bucks gear for the first time, Turner was met with boos instead of the cheers that had accompanied him for a decade. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle had predicted a “warm reception, which he deserves,” but Turner didn’t hear his first cheer until he missed a shot less than two minutes into the game.

“I don’t know what to expect,” Turner reflected before the matchup, via ESPN. “There’s going to be some cheers. There’s going to be some boos. It kind of just is what it is. For me personally, the biggest thing is obviously winning the basketball game, that’s paramount. But there’s going to be some mixed emotions.”

In the end, for Turner, it’s still about the game, even if the fans’ love and boos remind him of everything he left behind in Indiana.

New team, big role: Turner’s impact in Milwaukee

Myles Turner may have left Indiana, but he hasn’t left his hunger behind. After six games with the Bucks, he’s already finding his rhythm, averaging 9.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and nearly two blocks per game. Turner’s still adjusting to a new system, but he’s keeping his expectations high. Coming so close to a championship last year gave him a taste of what’s possible, and he’s determined not to settle for anything less.

“There’s so many years you felt like that was such a long shot, to get there,” Turner said. “Now that I’ve actually experienced it and know what it’s like to be in that room, be so close, it’s something that drives me more now.” That experience, combined with the Bucks’ championship pedigree from 2021, makes him confident he’s in the right place. Turner sees the organization’s mindset as aligned with his own, a focus on winning and doing whatever it takes to get back to the top.

The Bucks made a big move to bring Turner in, aiming to get younger, more athletic and bounce back after three straight first-round playoff exits. And it’s not just about skills, Giannis Antetokounmpo sees Turner as a perfect fit for the team, someone who can stretch the floor, defend, and bring depth, while also being a high-character presence in the locker room. Turner’s versatility on the court is clear, but what’s already stood out is his voice off it.

And he’s taken on a new role here in Milwaukee. “Leaders lead,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said, highlighting Turner’s impact in the locker room. Turner admits he’s enjoying the challenge. “I’m just enjoying the challenge, honestly,” he said. “I feel like I’ve always been a natural-born leader, and I have leadership qualities.”