The Milwaukee Bucks have sent shockwaves across the NBA with a monumental decision aimed at aggressively reshaping their roster. In a surprising move, the Bucks are waiving Damian Lillard, their star guard acquired just two seasons ago.
This strategic maneuver is designed to facilitate the acquisition of highly sought-after free agent center Myles Turner, signaling a clear intent to retool their team around franchise cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo. The deal for Turner is significant, with sources indicating he has agreed to a four-year, $107 million contract that notably includes a player option for the fourth year, in the 2028-29 season, and a full 15% trade kicker. This complex series of transactions, executed swiftly in the early days of free agency, underscores Milwaukee’s commitment to maintaining its status as a top contender in the Eastern Conference.
The Lillard Departure: Financials and Future Plans
Damian Lillard’s tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks, spanning two seasons, has abruptly concluded. The seven-time All-NBA guard is currently rehabilitating a torn Achilles tendon, an injury sustained during the recent playoffs. He underwent surgery in early May to address the severe injury. This unfortunate circumstance played a significant role in the Bucks’ decision. Lillard’s release, executed on Tuesday, allows him to receive the entire $113 million remaining on his contract.
This provides Lillard with financial security. Crucially, it also enables him to rehab in Portland, his long-time home, surrounded by his family. Furthermore, Lillard now gains the freedom to choose his next destination on his own time, a significant advantage for an injured veteran star.
The timing of Lillard’s waiver is critical for the Bucks’ financial strategy. By waiving him prior to August 29, the Bucks can utilize the “stretch provision” outlined in the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This provision allows them to spread Lillard’s remaining two years of salary, totaling $113 million, over five years for salary cap purposes.
This means Milwaukee will pay approximately $22.5 million per year towards Lillard’s stretched salary. This maneuver frees up crucial cap space. Importantly, it achieves this while leaving their future draft assets untouched, a key consideration for long-term roster building. The stretched salary cannot exceed 15% of the current salary cap, which stands at $23.197 million, ensuring compliance with league rules. This complex financial engineering demonstrates the front office’s intricate planning to create flexibility.
Myles Turner: A Game-Changing Acquisition
The arrival of Myles Turner in Milwaukee is a testament to the Bucks’ aggressive strategy. Turner, at 29 years old, has been the longest-tenured player for the Indiana Pacers, dedicating 10 seasons to the franchise. Despite his deep roots in Indiana, he had made it known he wished to remain in Indiana. His representatives had diligently pushed to get a deal done with the Pacers since their Game 7 exit in the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
However, the Pacers ultimately decided against a move that would significantly increase their luxury tax burden. This aversion to the luxury tax became even more pronounced following their star guard Tyrese Haliburton’s torn Achilles injury in the Finals. This opened a critical window of opportunity for the Bucks. Milwaukee quickly seized it, allowing them to acquire their new center. Turner brings a unique and highly valued skill set to the Bucks. As a 6-foot-11 big man, he excels at both spacing the floor with his shooting and defending the rim with his shot-blocking prowess.
This season, he demonstrated his offensive growth by shooting a career-best 39.6% from 3-point range. He also posted impressive all-around averages of 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and a team-best 2.0 blocks per game. His defensive impact was particularly evident during the Pacers’ postseason run, where he recorded a team-record 46 blocks.
Turner is also part of an elite group in NBA history, being one of just three players with at least 700 3-pointers and 1,400 blocks, joining only Brook Lopez (who ironically just left Milwaukee) and Rasheed Wallace. This combination of perimeter shooting and interior defense makes Turner a perfect fit for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s game and the Bucks’ defensive philosophy.
Masterminding the Deal: Front Office Acumen
The acquisition of Myles Turner, especially in a scarce free agency market, required intricate planning and collaboration. Bucks general manager Jon Horst and CAA co-head of basketball Austin Brown worked closely to execute this complex and massive deal. Their partnership was crucial in reshaping the Milwaukee roster and allowing the franchise to aggressively retool around Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks were known to be interested in Turner. However, their existing salary restrictions presented a significant challenge, providing “no pathway to sign him.” Horst and Brown reportedly “huddled Monday and Tuesday to create an opening,” devising the intricate waiver and stretch plan for Lillard.
This aggressive approach from Milwaukee’s front office comes at a critical time, as Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to consider his long-term future and whether his best fit remains with the Bucks. The commitment to making such a bold move demonstrates the organization’s dedication to building a perennial contender. This is not the first time Horst has pulled off a blockbuster. In 2020, Horst acquired Jrue Holiday in a significant trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. Then, in 2023, the Bucks similarly acquired Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers as part of a three-team deal.
Now, with the acquisition of Turner, Horst once again shows the organization’s “commitment to build a contender in the Eastern Conference with Antetokounmpo in his prime.” This move is also strategically impactful as it “takes a key player from a fellow East threat,” the Indiana Pacers, further solidifying Milwaukee’s position in the conference. The synergy between Turner’s two-way skills and Antetokounmpo’s dominance was a key factor, with sources confirming that “Turner and Antetokounmpo valued the opportunity to partner on the court during the process.”
Complementary Roster Moves: Fortifying the Bucks
The Bucks’ flurry of activity didn’t stop with Lillard’s waiver and Turner’s signing. They made several other strategic moves to fortify their roster and address various needs. Milwaukee traded guard Pat Connaughton and two second-round picks (2031, 2032) to the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. In return, they acquired guard Vasilije Micic, a veteran international guard. Connaughton averaged 5.3 points and 2.7 rebounds last season for the Bucks, while Micic posted 6.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game for the Hornets, providing a different playmaking dimension.
In further roster adjustments, the Bucks also reached a two-year deal to retain free agent Jericho Sims, sources confirmed. This deal includes a player option in the second season, offering flexibility. Sims is known as a “lob-threat big man”, bringing athleticism and rim-running to the center position. He played in a career-high 53 games last season and notably appeared in all five playoff games, demonstrating his growing reliability. The Bucks have also been active throughout the offseason, agreeing to re-sign Bobby Portis, a fan favorite and key rotational big man.
They also successfully brought back sharpshooter Gary Trent Jr., forward Taurean Prince, and guard Kevin Porter Jr., adding depth and versatility to their perimeter. However, not all moves were additions; Milwaukee lost Brook Lopez, their starting center for several seasons, who signed with the LA Clippers. To further bolster their wing depth, the Bucks also agreed to a two-year deal with free agent forward Gary Harris, with a player option on the second season.
Harris is a “veteran wing” who has played “key rotation roles for playoff teams in Denver and Orlando”, providing valuable experience and defensive tenacity. Last season, he averaged 3.0 points and 1.3 rebounds for the Magic. These collective moves demonstrate a concerted effort to build a deeper, more balanced, and defensively capable team around Antetokounmpo for the upcoming season.
Lillard’s Legacy and Next Chapter
Damian Lillard’s departure from Milwaukee closes a chapter that, while short, was impactful. Turning 35 on July 15, Lillard had quickly emerged as “one of the leaders in the locker room alongside Antetokounmpo.” In his second season with the Bucks, he played in 58 games and earned his ninth All-Star Game selection, showcasing his continued elite performance. Despite his injury, Lillard was highly productive, ranking 10th in the NBA in both scoring (24.9 points per game) and assists (7.1 assists per game). He also displayed improved efficiency, shooting 45% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc.
Lillard’s season, however, was unfortunately cut short by the Achilles injury. He was helped off the court midway through the first quarter of the Bucks’ loss in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the very same Pacers team. Before his time in Milwaukee, Lillard was a franchise icon for the Portland Trail Blazers, where he spent 11 seasons. During his extensive career in Portland, he made seven All-Star appearances and earned seven All-NBA team selections.
He famously led the Trail Blazers to the playoffs eight times, including a memorable Western Conference Finals appearance in 2018-19. Lillard holds significant records for the Trail Blazers, ranking first in team history in points and 3-pointers, and second in assists. Now, as he faces a lengthy rehabilitation process, the basketball world awaits his next move, eager to see where the accomplished guard will continue his storied career.
New Era for the Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to waive Damian Lillard and acquire Myles Turner signifies a dramatic and deliberate shift in their roster construction. This bold strategy, spearheaded by General Manager Jon Horst, is a clear commitment to maximizing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s prime years and solidifying the team’s championship aspirations. By cleverly utilizing the “stretch provision” for Lillard’s contract, the Bucks have created crucial salary cap flexibility while preserving future draft assets.
The addition of Myles Turner brings an elite combination of rim protection, floor spacing, and shot-blocking that perfectly complements Antetokounmpo’s game, addressing key needs for the team. Coupled with several other shrewd signings and re-signings, Milwaukee has demonstrably deepened its roster and enhanced its overall versatility.
While Lillard’s unexpected departure marks the end of a brief but impactful tenure, it opens a new chapter for both the star guard and the Bucks. This aggressive retooling underscores Milwaukee’s unwavering pursuit of another NBA title, setting the stage for an intriguing and potentially successful future in the Eastern Conference.
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