The Pacers are facing a rocky 2026 despite coming within one win of their first NBA championship this past season. The team's guiding light, guard Tyrese Haliburton, tore his Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to end a playoff run that electrified the basketball world.

According to Pacers general manager Kevin Pritchard, Indiana had been negotiating with Turner "in good faith" about his next contract. Per Pritchard, the Pacers were willing to dip into the luxury tax (a rarity for Indiana ownership) to keep their longest-tenured player. Turner had been with the Pacers for all 10 of his NBA seasons.

Myles Turner said a desire to pursue a championship was a driving force for leaving the Pacers after 10 years to join the Bucks.