Myles Turner signs $108.9 million deal with Milwaukee Bucks

Myles Turner has explained his decision to leave Indiana after ten seasons, signing a four-year, $108.9 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. The 29-year-old center revealed his motivations during a Las Vegas summer league appearance alongside coach Doc Rivers and general manager Jon Horst.

"For me, ultimately it was about just staying competitive," Turner said. "Two years ago, we got to the conference finals. Obviously, last year we got to the Finals. Being a big part of winning basketball just changed my entire perspective on this league. I saw a chance to remain competitive here."

The opportunity to play alongside two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo proved particularly appealing to Turner, who posted career-high numbers last season with 39.6% three-point shooting while averaging 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks. To make room for him, Milwaukee waived nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard and stretched the remaining $113 million on his contract.

Building around Giannis

General manager Jon Horst emphasized how Turner fits into Milwaukee's broader strategy. "Myles is sitting there as the best free agent in all the market," Horst explained. "You looked at ways in which we could potentially get to that and truly take our team, retool it, rethink it, modernize our style of play, impact Giannis and his development, and his growth as a playmaker."

Turner, who holds Indiana's franchise record with 46 blocks during their Finals run, sees a natural partnership forming with Antetokounmpo. "I was tired of taking damned shoulders and elbows to the chest all the time," he joked about finally joining forces with the Greek star. "It's a rarity to be alongside him. He's a generational player, arguably one of the greatest players to play this game."

The 6-11 center praised Milwaukee's roster construction and recent signings, noting how Gary Trent, Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, and Ryan Rollins all committed to the team. "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."

Antetokounmpo committed to Milwaukee

Rivers addressed speculation about Antetokounmpo's future, revealing the star approached him immediately after last season ended. "Giannis came to me the day after the season and we were talking about next season already," Rivers said. "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."

Several Bucks players and coaches have already visited Antetokounmpo in Greece during the offseason, demonstrating the team's unity heading into the new campaign.