Bucks’ new $109 million big man sends heartfelt message to fans

Joe Mayo

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Bucks’ new $109 million big man sends heartfelt message to fans image

The Milwaukee Bucks stunned the NBA by signing former rival Myles Turner to a four-year, $108.9 million contract this offseason — the largest deal of his career — and he was quick to show love to the fan base ahead of his introductory press conference Friday. 

Milwaukee waived Damian Lillard and stretched the remaining $113 million on his contract to make room for Turner, which was a bold move aimed at staying in title contention and keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo happy. The Indiana Pacers reportedly hoped to retain Turner, but the Bucks’ offer proved too good to pass up. 

Ahead of his official introduction in Las Vegas at 2 p.m. PT, Turner shared a heartfelt message with Bucks fans, showing his appreciation for the city.  

“What’s up y’all? It’s Myles Turner checking in to the Cream City,” he said. “I’m excited to join the organization, man, and it’s been quite some time, and good news, man, I don’t hate y’all no more, baby. It’s love.”  

MORE: Bucks welcome Myles Turner in official statement

Bucks fans know the 29-year-old center well. He was a key contributor in eliminating Milwaukee during the first round of the playoffs each of the past two years. Now, he’ll look to flip the script and help the Bucks go on a deep postseason run alongside Antetokounmpo. 

Turner is an elite two-way big man who can stretch the floor. The 6-foot-11 Texas product shot a career-high 39.6 percent from beyond the arc last season while averaging a career-best 2.2 three-pointers per game. He’s also a force in the paint, averaging 2.3 blocks per game over his 10-year career.  

With Milwaukee retooling its roster and looking to keep Antetokounmpo satisfied, Bucks fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about Turner’s arrival. 

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Joe Mayo

Joe Mayo is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. Born and raised in Wisconsin, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2024. He’s also a contributor at RotoWire. While Joe primarily writes about the NBA, he also covers the WNBA and MLB.