Turner’s departure not only marks the end of a decade-long stint with the Pacers—a period in which he became the franchise’s all-time blocks leader—but also leaves Indiana navigating a complex future landscape after falling just one win short of an NBA title this past season.

The loss of Turner is compounded by the Pacers’ own adversity, as star guard Tyrese Haliburton is sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season due to an Achilles injury suffered in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. It was a double gut punch for a roster built around chemistry and cohesion—qualities Turner embodied as both defensive anchor and locker room statesman.

Haliburton's Poised Response: "It's a Business"

While speculation swirled about how Haliburton and other Pacers would handle Turner’s exit—especially to a rival—Haliburton has led with rare maturity and professionalism. In a candid interview on The Pat McAfee Show and echoed in other outlets, Haliburton praised Turner’s legacy.

“He’s done a lot here, and I think that people have really taken a liking to Myles. He’s done some great things, been a part of some great groups. But at the end of the day, it is a business. He’s got to do what’s best for him. I wish him the best moving forward,” Haliburton said.

These measured words stand in contrast to the more emotional reactions from other corners of the Pacers community, where the move has been described as “shocking,” particularly given how closely Indiana had come to championship glory with Turner as a key pillar.

Turner’s split decision—reportedly influenced by Milwaukee’s more competitive offer and their willingness to move significant contracts such as Damian Lillard to create cap space—underscored the business realities of the modern NBA, even as emotions run high on both sides.

What Lies Ahead in Indiana and Milwaukee

Haliburton’s focus now turns to the future. With Turner gone, Indiana’s pathway to sustained competitiveness appears less certain, especially as they brace for a season without their All-NBA point guard. The Pacers retain a strong core but replicating last season’s deep playoff run will require new leaders to emerge and fresh chemistry to be quickly forged.

Meanwhile, Turner joins a Bucks squad determined to return to championship contention and provide Giannis Antetokounmpo with the kind of defensive anchor the team has lacked since their last title run. The ripple effect of this high-profile move will be closely watched around the league, altering the balance of power in a wide-open Eastern Conference.

Despite the pain of a seismic roster shift, Tyrese Haliburton’s words embody the resilience and professionalism that should give Pacers fans hope: “My focus is now on the guys that we have here and getting better here.”