In a bold move that signals intentions for a new direction, the Milwaukee Bucks have officially waived Damian Lillard, choosing to stretch the remaining $113 million on his contract. This creative maneuver paves the way for the Bucks to acquire the talented Myles Turner, who has just inked a four-year, $107 million deal with the team, complete with a player option for the fourth year in 2028-29 and a full 15% trade kicker.
Lillard’s time with the Bucks comes to an end as he continues to recover from a torn Achilles tendon that required surgery earlier this May. By waiving and stretching his contract over the next five seasons, Milwaukee has cleverly managed to preserve their future draft assets while allowing Lillard to receive his full salary. This decision not only enables Lillard to focus on his rehabilitation in Portland—surrounded by family—but also grants him the autonomy to select his next team when the time is right.
Turner, who has spent ten seasons with the Indiana Pacers, made it clear he wished to stay in Indiana. However, in the wake of the Pacers’ playoff exit against the Oklahoma City Thunder, his representatives moved to secure a deal elsewhere. The Pacers’ reluctance to delve into the luxury tax—especially following the injury to Tyrese Haliburton—ultimately set the stage for this significant acquisition by the Bucks.
At 29 years old, Turner emerges as an impactful player for Milwaukee. Standing at 6-foot-11, he has the unique ability to stretch the floor while providing formidable rim protection. Last season, he achieved a career-high 39.6% from beyond the arc, along with averages of 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game—a stat that positioned him as a leader in the league with a record 46 blocks during the Pacers’ postseason run.
In the grand narrative of Milwaukee’s strategy, general manager Jon Horst and CAA co-Head of Basketball Austin Brown masterminded this complex deal, demonstrating the Bucks’ commitment to retooling around their star, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The offseason also includes re-signing Bobby Portis while adding sharpshooting guard Gary Trent Jr., forward Taurean Prince, and guard Kevin Porter Jr. However, the Bucks did part ways with pivotal contributor Brook Lopez, who signed with the LA Clippers.
Additionally, the Bucks have secured a two-year deal with veteran forward Gary Harris, who carries with him playoff experience from his time with the Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic, although he had a quieter season last year.
The synergy between Turner and Antetokounmpo is already being highlighted, as both players appear eager to join forces on the court. With Giannis contemplating his future with the organization, this strategic move showcases Milwaukee’s ongoing dedication to assembling a contending roster in the Eastern Conference, particularly as Giannis is still in the prime of his career.
Reflecting on past transactions, Horst previously landed Jrue Holiday in a major trade with the New Orleans Pelicans and more recently orchestrated Lillard’s arrival from the Portland Trail Blazers. Now, the acquisition of Turner signifies the Bucks’ commitment to bolstering their championship aspirations by taking a key player from an Eastern Conference rival.
While Lillard, who turns 35 on July 15, played a significant role in the Bucks’ locker room alongside Antetokounmpo—with 58 games played in his second season and his ninth All-Star selection—his departure also marks an evolution for the franchise. He was a major contributor during his time in Milwaukee, ranking 10th in the NBA in both scoring and assists this past season, culminating in a challenging postseason run that ended with an injury in their first-round playoff series.
As the Bucks navigate this transition, the combination of Turner’s versatile skill set and Giannis’ superstar ability could pave a promising path toward reclaiming a place at the top of the Eastern Conference. The franchise is making moves with purpose, and it will be fascinating to see how this develops in the coming season.
