Milwaukee Bucks Pull Off Free‑Agency Stunner: Land Myles Turner, Waive Damian Lillard

 

In a seismic offseason shakeup, the Milwaukee Bucks have secured veteran center Myles Turner on a four‑year, $107 million contract, all while waiving nine‑time All‑Star Damian Lillard, sources confirm .

 

Turner, fresh off 10 seasons with the Indiana Pacers, averaged 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks last season—highlighted by a career‑high 39.6% three‑point clip . His contract includes a player option in 2028‑29 and a 15% trade kicker, signaling both flexibility and trade value . Turner’s departure from Indiana was partly driven by the Pacers’ reluctance to exceed luxury‑tax limits following Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury in the Finals .

 

To fit Turner’s massive deal under the cap, Milwaukee has opted to waive Lillard and stretch his remaining ~$112–113 million contract over five years—approximately $22.5 million annually via the NBA’s stretch provision . Lillard, sidelined by a ruptured Achilles, will continue receiving full pay while rehabbing and is free to sign with any team once healthy .

 

This strategic pivot underscores a shift toward protecting star Giannis Antetokounmpo, centering the roster around a high‑impact ‘3‑and‑D’ big like Turner. While some analysts have praised the move as bold, rival executives described it as “reckless”—with one bluntly stating it’s a decision Milwaukee could “regret in two years” . Insider reports also suggest Giannis wasn’t thrilled by Lillard’s exit, adding internal drama to the storyline .

 

League‑wide coverage of the offseason notes that while Milwaukee is swinging for contention, teams like Houston, Denver, and Oklahoma City made stronger overall moves amid tight cap conditions .

Bottom line: The Bucks’ aggressive maneuver trades a high‑profile, injured guard for defensive firepower in Turner. Lillard begins an extended stretch payout while rehabilitating, and Giannis gets a floor‑spacing big to complement his game. The ripple effects on Milwaukee’s title hopes—and locker room chemistry—will unfold in the coming season.