Milwaukee center Myles Turner is back in Indianapolis tonight for the first time since leaving the Pacers in free agency, and he anticipates hearing both cheers and boos from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd.
Bucks
Turner, who spent his first 10 NBA seasons with Indiana, said contract talks with the Pacers stalled when the club limited its offer to roughly $22 million per year over three seasons. The Bucks created additional cap room by stretching the remaining $113 million on Damian Lillard’s contract, enabling Milwaukee to present Turner with a four-year, $107 million deal that includes a player option.
“It was a business decision,” Turner said, adding that the salary difference made his choice straightforward. Despite averaging just 9.8 points on 39.3 percent shooting (34.4 percent from three), Turner has helped the Bucks open the season 4-2.
Pacers president Kevin Pritchard and head coach Rick Carlisle were surprised by the move; Carlisle learned of Turner’s decision on social media.
Bulls
In Chicago, center Nikola Vucevic remains a focal point after spending last season in trade rumors. The veteran is producing 19.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game on an expiring $21.5 million contract. League interest is still high, according to Marc Stein, but the Bulls could hold on to Vucevic if they stay near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Nets
The Brooklyn Nets fell to 0-6 after Sunday’s 129-105 home loss to Philadelphia, a game the 76ers played without Joel Embiid. Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 22 points in the first quarter, Tyrese Maxey had 26 overall, and Quentin Grimes added 22. Brooklyn committed 19 turnovers and struggled to string together defensive stops.
Head coach Jordi Fernández questioned his team’s effort, admitting, “I am failing at trying to get my guys to play hard.” Rookie Ben Saraf, who started the first five games, was moved to the bench and did not play. Tyrese Martin started in Saraf’s place but went 0-for-6 from the field.
The Bucks-Pacers matchup tips off tonight in Indianapolis, while Chicago and Brooklyn continue their early-season campaigns later this week.
Source: Hoops Wire
