The Milwaukee Bucks‘ turbulent 2025-26 season has intensified trade speculation around Myles Turner, the veteran center they signed to a four-year, $107-108.8 million contract in the 2025 offseason. Turner, a former Indiana Pacers stalwart known for elite rim protection, floor-spacing shooting (career ~35% from three), and defensive versatility, was brought in to anchor the frontcourt alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo after Milwaukee waived Damian Lillard to create cap space.
However, the Bucks’ struggles (around 18-29, hovering near the bottom of the Eastern Conference Play-In race) and Giannis’ reported openness to a trade (per ESPN’s Shams Charania and others) have shifted the landscape. Insiders like Gery Woelfel note multiple teams are “doing homework” on Turner, viewing him as a movable piece if Milwaukee pivots to a rebuild or retool post-Giannis. His $25+ million salary this year provides matching flexibility, but the remaining years (with a player option in 2028-29) make him a calculated risk—yet his skills remain highly coveted for contenders needing a stretch-5 who blocks shots and spaces the floor.
Giannis exit rumors (with serious interest from Warriors, Knicks, Heat, Timberwolves, and wild cards like Portland) create a domino effect: If the Bucks sell, Turner becomes expendable as they prioritize youth, picks, or win-now pieces elsewhere. Even without a Giannis move, his miscast role (not fully replacing prior production gaps) and the team’s woes fuel deadline chatter ahead of February 5, 2026.
Here are the top 5 realistic trade destinations for Myles Turner, based on recent reporting, fit, and feasibility:
1. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors top many lists (including Sportskeeda’s top 5 and ClutchPoints scenarios) as the premier landing spot. Golden State has long needed a reliable stretch big to complement Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and their motion offense. Turner’s shooting opens driving lanes and spacing, while his rim protection bolsters their defense amid inconsistent interior play.
Recent mocks pair Turner with Giannis in mega-deals (e.g., Warriors sending young assets like Brandin Podziemski, swaps, and fillers), but even standalone, he fits seamlessly. The Warriors’ title pedigree and Curry’s playmaking would maximize Turner’s efficiency (he’s averaged solid numbers in spacing systems). With their assets and willingness to move pieces (e.g., for Kuminga-related drama), this feels like the highest-upside destination—potentially reuniting Turner with championship contention.
2. Toronto Raptors
Toronto emerges frequently (Sportskeeda #2, SI mentions) due to their strong East standing and clear need for a starting-caliber center. The Raptors boast young talent (Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett) and playmaking but lack consistent rim protection and floor spacing at the 5.
Turner would provide immediate defensive anchor (elite blocks) and three-point threat to open lanes for Barnes. His veteran presence aids their rising core without blocking development. Toronto has picks and matching salaries (e.g., expiring or mid-tier contracts) to facilitate, making this realistic if they push all-in for East contention. A move here positions Turner for deep playoff runs in a competitive conference.
3. Boston Celtics
Boston ranks high (Sportskeeda #3, Bleacher Report mocks) as perennial favorites seeking big-man depth/insurance. With Kristaps Porziņģis’ injury history and needs for more rim protection, Turner fits as a three-and-D upgrade off the bench or in small-ball.
Mocks suggest swaps like Porziņģis + protected picks for Turner, easing Boston’s tax apron while adding shooting and blocks. Their elite defense and spacing would thrive with Turner, potentially pushing them further in title chases. The Celtics’ contention window and assets make this viable, especially if they shed longer-term money.
4. Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta appears in multiple proposals (Bleacher Report’s “must happen” deals, Sportskeeda #5) as a logical fit. The Hawks need frontcourt help around Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, and playmakers—Turner’s spacing complements Young’s gravity, while his defense shores up their leaky interior.
A mock swap (Porziņģis + protected 2031 first for Turner) highlights feasibility. Atlanta’s assets (picks, expiring deals) align with Milwaukee’s rebuild needs. Turner thrives in high-pace, playmaking environments, making this a strong mutual fit for East improvement.
5. Charlotte Hornets
The surging Hornets (on a hot streak, per reports) are linked directly (ESPN’s Jake Weinbach, Sportskeeda #4) as active deadline buyers. Charlotte needs a veteran big for rim protection and spacing around LaMelo Ball and young wings.
Turner provides exactly that—stability, shooting, and defense to elevate their rise. With momentum and assets (picks, young pieces), they could outbid others. This spot offers Turner a fresh start on an ascending team with star upside.
Additional Contenders and Context
Other mentions include Chicago Bulls (SI) for frontcourt balance, though less prominent. Portland could emerge in Giannis mega-deals rerouting Turner back to a spacing fit. Realism hinges on Milwaukee’s direction: Sell-off yields more suitors; hold Giannis limits Turner’s availability. His ankle issues (recent day-to-day) add short-term risk, but long-term value remains high for his two-way skill set.
If Giannis departs, expect a fire sale—Turner could fetch picks/prospects to aid Milwaukee’s reset. For Turner (nearing 30, championship-driven), escaping the Bucks’ chaos for a contender is ideal. The deadline chaos (Feb. 5, 2026) could see him moved, reshaping multiple rosters amid the East’s parity. This window, opened by Giannis rumors, positions Turner as one of the deadline’s most intriguing pieces.
