Myles Turner Reveals the Surprising Reason Behind His Bucks Move – It’s More Than Just Competition

For Turner, the reason to sign with the Bucks was more about competitiveness than just money.

For Milwaukee, Turner is an upgrade over where Brook Lopez is at this point in his career. For Turner, the chance to compete alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, rather than against him, was part of the draw.LAS VEGAS — Myles Turner signing with the Bucks was the biggest surprise of the NBA offseason. Turner was considered a lock to re-sign in Indiana (especially after their Finals run), and Milwaukee didn’t have the cap space to chase him. Then, the Pacers’ ownership balked at paying the luxury tax and lowballed Turner, while the Bucks were historically aggressive, waiving and stretching Damian Lillard to create cap space to get their man.It’s more than just Antetokounmpo, Turner sees a chance to compete for more in a down Eastern Conference next season.Turner wanted to be paid at the level of other quality centers in the NBA — Isaiah Hartenstein at million a year average on his contract, Jarrett Allen .2 million, Nic Claxton .3 million, as examples — and the Bucks stepped up with a four-year, 7 million contract.“Ultimately, it was about just staying competitive,” Turner said at an introductory press conference in Las Vegas on Friday. “Two years ago, [the Pacers] got to the Eastern Conference Finals. Obviously, last year we got to the NBA Finals. But being there, being part of it, winning basketball has just changed my entire perspective on this league, and I saw a chance to remain competitive here. Jon [Horst], even Doc [Rivers] has assured me that winning is a top priority here, and we just align with our visions.”

“Giannis came to me the day after the season and we were talking about next season already,” Rivers said. “So, there’s far more talk outside of Milwaukee than there is inside of Milwaukee. Giannis loves Milwaukee. We love Giannis, and it’s been a great relationship… So, we are communicating a lot. It’s about next year, and it’s about winning.”That winning is aided by having Turner in Milwaukee.
The NBA offseason threw a curveball nobody saw coming when Myles Turner inked a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks — a move that flipped the expected script on its head. After leading the Pacers deep into the playoffs not once, but twice, the belief was that Turner’s future was sealed in Indiana. Yet, here we are, with Milwaukee making some bold financial gymnastics, including stretching Damian Lillard’s contract, just to carve out space for their new big man. For Turner, this wasn’t just about the dollars (though a hefty 7 million over four years doesn’t hurt), it was about locking in on a vision of sustained competitiveness. Teaming up with Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t merely a career upgrade; it’s a chance to chase greatness alongside a generational talent rather than battling him across the court. Feel the shift in the Milwaukee locker room — a potent mix of fresh signings, renewed ambition, and a shared hunger to rise atop a reconfigured Eastern Conference. With Doc Rivers firmly backing the stability of this squad and Giannis hinting he’s probably sticking around, the Bucks aren’t just building a roster: they’re crafting a genuine contender. This chapter in Turner’s career might just be the start of something electrifying. LEARN MORE.Last season, he averaged 15.6 points per game while shooting 39.6% on 3-pointers, plus adding 6.5 rebounds and two blocks per game.“I was tired of taking damned shoulders and elbows to the chest all the time,” Turner said with a laugh. “It’s a rarity to be alongside him. He’s a generational player, arguably one of the greatest players to play this game. I’m sure we’re going to talk here in the weeks to come. I’ve played against Giannis for quite some time now. Very familiar with his game and what he’s capable of. I do see a seamless fit. He’s someone that is able to push the ball, get out in transition, create for people. He’s developed a jumper. Defensively, his intangibles are there. I think our fit is going to be a pretty cohesive fit.”“I just look at this roster and I’ve competed against these guys. There’s a respect from afar of just how they go about their business. There’s a reason why guys are there. Gary Trent just signed. Bobby Portis just signed. Taurean Prince just signed. Ryan Rollins just signed. Everybody sees the vision. They didn’t sign just to do it. I just think that there’s a real belief in this organization. I’ve aligned myself with that.”The one thing that could end the Bucks’ postseason dreams would be Antetokounmpo asking for a trade, although that seems increasingly unlikely to happen. Most importantly, Antetokounmpo said he was “probably” staying in Milwaukee. Bucks coach Doc Rivers, sitting next to Turner, also threw cold water on the trade rumors.