Milwaukee Bucks big man takes subtle jab at Indiana Pacers fanbase

Myles Turner has left the Indiana Pacers after a decade with the team, signing a four-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency. As a homegrown talent and the longest-tenured Pacer, he was a foundational player who helped lead the team, alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, to the NBA Finals last season. The departure occurred because the Pacers and Turner could not reach an agreement on a new contract, leading him to seek his perceived market value elsewhere.

Speaking during a Summer League broadcast in Las Vegas, Turner commented on the likely reception he'll receive from Pacers fans when he returns. He anticipates a mixed reaction, remarking that some fans who previously wanted him off the team for years are now complaining about his departure despite getting their wish: "I think it's gonna be half-and-half... there was a lot of people that wanted me off the team and they got what they wanted and now they're complaining still."

Since Turner remains in the Central Division with the Bucks, the Pacers will face him frequently. The significant change is that he will now share the frontcourt with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Turner faces significant pressure to make an immediate impact in Milwaukee. His arrival comes amid persistent offseason speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially leaving the Bucks. As the franchise's major offseason addition, Turner is tasked with helping keep the Bucks competitive in the Eastern Conference, partly to help ensure Giannis remains satisfied and stays with the team.