**Myles Turner Bids Emotional Farewell to Indiana Pacers After Signing with Milwaukee Bucks**
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**INTRODUCTION: THE END OF AN ERA IN INDIANA**
After nine unforgettable seasons with the **Indiana Pacers**, franchise cornerstone **Myles Turner** has officially signed with the **Milwaukee Bucks**, ending one of the longest tenures for a modern NBA big man with a single team. The move marks a turning point for both Turner and the Pacers—and it didn’t happen without heartfelt reflection.
In a deeply personal message posted to social media and shared through team and league channels, Turner **bid an emotional farewell to the Pacers organization, his teammates, and the fans of Indiana**, where he evolved from a promising 19-year-old rookie into a franchise leader and one of the NBA’s most feared rim protectors.
> “Indiana will always be home to me,” Turner began. “It’s where I grew up as a man, where I found my voice, and where I gave everything I had—night in, night out—for nearly a decade. I’ll carry those memories with me for the rest of my life.”
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**CHAPTER ONE: A MESSAGE FROM THE HEART**
Turner’s farewell message, shared on Instagram and Twitter/X, was raw, honest, and sincere. He thanked nearly every part of the Pacers organization—ownership, front office, coaching staff, medical team, equipment managers, and especially the fans.
> “To Pacers fans: Y’all embraced me from Day 1. You accepted me through the ups, the downs, the injuries, and the triumphs. You never stopped believing in me—and I hope I gave you a reason to be proud. It was never just about basketball—it was about the community, about connection, about representing something bigger.”
He also offered a special shoutout to his teammates over the years, calling out names like **Paul George**, **Victor Oladipo**, **Domantas Sabonis**, **Tyrese Haliburton**, and **Buddy Hield**, saying they each left an impact on his life.
> “Y’all pushed me, supported me, challenged me, and made me better. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
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**CHAPTER TWO: THE JOURNEY FROM TEENAGER TO VETERAN**
Drafted 11th overall in the **2015 NBA Draft**, Turner arrived in Indiana as a lanky teenager out of Texas with high expectations and even higher upside. He quickly made his mark as an elite shot-blocker, setting franchise records and consistently ranking among the NBA’s best in blocks per game.
Turner’s stats with the Pacers over nine seasons:
* **12.9 PPG**, **6.7 RPG**, **2.4 BPG**
* **38% three-point shooter** (last four seasons)
* Over **1,300 blocks** (franchise leader)
* **Top 10 all-time in Pacers games played**
But Turner’s impact went far beyond stats. He became a vocal leader, a community advocate, and one of the most respected veterans in the league. He led initiatives on education, mental health, and social justice, and was often seen mentoring younger players.
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**CHAPTER THREE: TURNER’S TRANSFORMATION INTO A MODERN BIG MAN**
What made Turner stand out was his evolution. Originally known only for his defense, he worked relentlessly to expand his offensive game, becoming a true stretch five capable of knocking down perimeter shots, facilitating in the high post, and spacing the floor for attacking guards like Haliburton and Hield.
His work ethic never went unnoticed. Coaches praised his professionalism, and teammates often pointed to him as the glue that held the team together through multiple coaching changes and roster reshuffles.
Pacers head coach **Rick Carlisle** said in a statement:
> “Myles is a pro in every sense. His work ethic, his consistency, his love for the game—it’s rare. Indiana was lucky to have him, and I personally will miss working with him every day.”
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**CHAPTER FOUR: THE EMOTIONAL GOODBYE TO THE CITY**
In his farewell, Turner made it clear that **Indianapolis will remain a second home**. He reminisced about his first days living downtown, meeting fans at local grocery stores, and growing into adulthood in a city that embraced him without hesitation.
> “You all watched me grow up—literally. From braces and buzz cuts to captain’s meetings and community events. Indy shaped me. I’ll never forget where I came from.”
He thanked Pacers fans for supporting him during tough stretches, especially during injury-shortened seasons and trade rumors that loomed for multiple years.
> “You stuck with me when it wasn’t easy. And I hope I made it worth it.”
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**CHAPTER FIVE: TYRESE HALIBURTON’S RESPONSE**
Shortly after Turner’s farewell post, **Tyrese Haliburton**, the Pacers’ current franchise player and a close friend of Turner, posted an emotional tribute.
> “Real brotherhood. You were there when I arrived, and you welcomed me like family. I learned a lot from you, on and off the court. Keep dominating, and go get that ring. You earned it.”
Haliburton added a collage of photos from their time together, with the caption:
**“Forever love, Myles. Indy will always be yours.”**
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**CHAPTER SIX: WHY THE BUCKS?**
Turner’s decision to join the **Milwaukee Bucks** came after weeks of speculation. Sources close to the situation report that Turner was courted by several contending teams, but ultimately chose Milwaukee for two reasons:
1. **Championship Opportunity**:
Playing alongside **Giannis Antetokounmpo**, **Khris Middleton**, and **Damian Lillard**, Turner believes the Bucks give him his best shot at a title.
2. **Basketball Fit**:
Milwaukee’s need for an elite rim protector and floor-spacing center was no secret. With Brook Lopez aging and eventually departing, Turner steps into a starting role with a clear path to success.
> “This wasn’t easy,” Turner said. “Leaving Indy was the hardest choice of my life. But I want to compete at the highest level while I still can. I’m ready for that challenge in Milwaukee.”
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**CHAPTER SEVEN: PACERS ORGANIZATION RESPONDS**
The Indiana Pacers released an official statement thanking Turner for his contributions:
> “Myles Turner’s impact on our franchise, both on and off the court, has been immeasurable. From the day he arrived, he embodied the values of hard work, humility, and community. We are grateful for his dedication to the blue and gold and wish him continued success in this next chapter.”
President of Basketball Operations **Kevin Pritchard** called Turner “the heart of the locker room for nearly a decade.”
> “There’s a reason Myles stayed with us through multiple rebuilds and playoff runs—he believed in us, and we believed in him.”
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**CHAPTER EIGHT: FANS SAY GOODBYE**
For Pacers fans, the departure was bittersweet. On one hand, many understood Turner’s desire to chase a championship. On the other, it was hard to let go of someone who represented the franchise so deeply.
Fan tributes poured in:
* “You gave us everything, Myles. Thank you for always being real.”
* “Not just a great player, but an even better man. Indy loves you.”
* “From block parties to buzzer beaters, you were one of the best to ever do it in a Pacers jersey.”
Murals, thank-you videos, and even a fan-created farewell song circulated online, cementing Turner’s legacy as not just a player—but a symbol of an era.
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**CHAPTER NINE: LOOKING AHEAD—TURNER IN MILWAUKEE**
As Turner prepares to suit up for the **Bucks**, expectations are sky-high. Milwaukee’s system under new head coach **Doc Rivers** is designed to highlight big men who can space the floor and anchor the defense—perfect for Turner’s skill set.
He’ll likely serve as the team’s starting center, providing rim protection and three-point shooting to complement Giannis’s slashing and Lillard’s perimeter attack.
> “I’m coming to Milwaukee to win,” Turner said during his Bucks introductory press conference. “Whatever this team needs—blocks, rebounds, threes, leadership—I’m ready.”
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**CHAPTER TEN: LEGACY IN INDIANA**
Turner may be gone, but his impact in Indiana will last forever. He leaves as the franchise’s **all-time leader in blocks**, a former team captain, and a perennial community ambassador. Fans, coaches, and executives alike agree—**Turner will one day have his jersey retired at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.**
He’s expected to return to Indianapolis in February when the Bucks visit the Pacers—and when he does, a tribute video and standing ovation will surely greet him.
> “This isn’t goodbye,” Turner wrote in his final words. “It’s just see you later. Indy is family. And family is forever.”
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**CONCLUSION: A FAREWELL ROOTED IN GRATITUDE**
Myles Turner’s farewell is more than just a goodbye—it’s a love letter to a city, a team, and a fanbase that shaped his journey. In an era of constant player movement, Turner’s loyalty, professionalism, and humility made him a rare breed—a player who stayed, evolved, and gave his heart to his team.
As he turns the page to a new chapter in Milwaukee, Turner leaves Indiana not with regret—but with pride. And he leaves behind a legacy defined by passion, perseverance, and respect.
The Pacers may be moving forward. But Myles Turner’s fingerprints will remain—etched in the paint, woven into the culture, and forever a part of Indiana’s basketball soul.
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