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Former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner returned to his old stomping grounds for the first time as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. Turner’s decision to switch teams during the offseason shocked fans and analysts across the league. Many expected Indiana to retain its core players after reaching the NBA Finals and falling one game short of a championship. However, Turner received a lower offer than he anticipated despite being the team’s biggest free agent. Milwaukee made a bold move by stretching Damian Lillard’s contract to free up cap space and sign Turner. Pacers fans clearly didn’t approve and even booed Turner during his tribute video. Tyrese Haliburton’s season-ending injury contributed to the Pacers’ hesitation to offer Turner a long-term deal. The Bucks signing him stung even more for Indiana fans, given the division rivalry between the two teams. Despite spending 10 seasons with the Pacers, Turner was met with boos upon his return. Turner Continues To Upset Pacers Fans Multiple interviews from Turner have only fueled resentment among Pacers fans, beyond his decision to leave for a division rival. Turner recently claimed that Indiana “gave up” on him by lowballing their contract offer during free agency. “Ownership made a decision, and I kind of had no choice but to roll with it,” Turner said during a podcast interview. “The toughest part is we were just so close to accomplishing the ultimate goal. It just feels like they gave up. [Indiana] made it very clear how they valued me. And so did the Milwaukee Bucks. I’ve always been told when I was in trade rumors, this is a business, this is a business, this is a business.” Turner also stirred controversy with comments about former teammate Tyrese Haliburton, despite the two having played well together. A viral clip showed Turner stepping back during a verbal exchange between Haliburton and Boston’s Jaylen Brown. Turner referred to Haliburton as a “fake tough guy,” a remark that angered Pacers fans who viewed it as disrespect toward their franchise star. Turner Received Last Laugh Vs Pacers Monday night’s game gave Turner extra motivation to help his new team against his old one. A lighthearted moment came when Turner mimicked the crowd’s boos after hitting a 3-pointer early in the game. The gesture mirrored Kevin Durant’s recent reaction to Oklahoma City Thunder fans, continuing the trend of players playfully booing back at their former fan bases. Turner not only got in a joke but also had the last laugh as the Bucks edged out the Pacers in a close win. The former Indiana center posted nine points, seven rebounds and five blocks in the victory. Indiana fans showed up in full force to boo Turner and hoped their injury-depleted roster could pull off the upset, but they fell just short.
