With Giannis Antetokounmpo out of the picture, things are about to get very interesting in Milwaukee. Now, as the franchise pivots toward its youth, experts are predicting even more follow-up trades that could lead to a mass exodus of veteran players.
One person who could be caught up in the aftermath is former Pacers center Myles Turner, who only signed with the Bucks last summer. According to the latest rumblings, the Giannis trade has made Myles a top trade candidate, with at least four teams circling on a potential offer: the Hornets, Pelicans, Lakers, and Celtics.
“Turner has always known that if Antetokounmpo was ever traded, he’d be a strong trade candidate,” wrote Hoops Hype’s Michael Scotto. “During his Pacers tenure, Turner was linked to the Hornets, Pelicans, and Lakers in trade rumors at various points. Those teams could all make sense now, and possibly the Celtics.”
Turner, 30, is going into the second year of his four-year, $109 million contract. The 6’11” big man is highly regarded for his interior defense and floor-spacing abilities, which could elevate any team’s ceiling. In 71 games this past season, he averaged 11.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game on 44.0% shooting and 38.3% shooting from three.
While he was hoping to win and thrive alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, that opportunity is gone now that Giannis is in Miami. That’s why, if the Bucks get a proper package in return, they might be willing to part with the 11-year NBA veteran. Out of any interested team, however, the Celtics probably have the most to offer.
If they’re willing to part with Derrick White, along with future draft picks, it could be enough for the Bucks to accept. Alternatively, they could offer a package that includes Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard (along with future picks). Whatever the combination, Turner is an instant upgrade over Nikola Vucevic, and he’d make a strong pairing with Jayson Tatum in the frontcourt.
For his size and defense alone, the Lakers have to consider Turner. It’s no secret that Luka Doncic is pressuring the front office to make a move, and this is one way that they can get notably better. The question is, do they have enough to get Turner? They can offer draft picks along with Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt, but they might have to attach Dalton Knecht or Deandre Ayton.
In Charlotte, the Hornets are looking for ways to build on their momentum from the 2025-26 regular season, when they went 44-38 (9th in the East). They already have their stars in LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel, but they still lack a reliable option at center. Myles Turner is older than the rest, but his maturity, experience, and defensive-minded skillset would be welcome additions to the Hornets’ roster. If they want, they could offer Miles Bridges in the deal, or a combo of younger players, like Coby White and Josh Green.
Finally, there’s the Pelicans. Admittedly, they don’t seem like the best fit for Turner, given the presence of Derik Queen at center, but they might view him as someone who could help develop Queen and the rest of their young frontcourt. At the very least, he’d provide some stability for Zion Williamson, who performs better when he’s beside an elite defensive big man. Since the Pelicans are known to be shopping Trey Murphy III anyway, why not offer him to the Bucks in exchange for a versatile big man?
Ultimately, there’s no telling what might happen between now and opening night in October. With so many variables at play, anything can happen, and Myles Turner is just one of countless players who are facing uncertain futures. He never asked to be put on the trade block, but getting out of Milwaukee now may be the best thing for his career as it stands.
