In a surprising series of moves that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks have made a bold statement about their future direction. Within just minutes, the Bucks made two major roster changes — signing Myles Turner and parting ways with Damian Lillard.
Bucks Land Myles Turner in $107 Million Deal
According to multiple reports, the Bucks have signed center Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million contract in free agency. Turner, previously with the Indiana Pacers, brings elite shot-blocking and floor spacing, addressing critical needs for Milwaukee as they look to retool their roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Turner’s arrival marks a significant shift in strategy, especially considering the next move Milwaukee made to accommodate his contract.
Damian Lillard Waived, Contract Stretched Over Five Years
To create the necessary cap space, the Milwaukee Bucks have waived Damian Lillard, stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract over the next five seasons. This financial maneuver allows the Bucks to absorb Turner’s contract while maintaining flexibility and preserving their future draft capital.
As reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic, “The Milwaukee Bucks are waiving Damian Lillard and stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract in order to acquire Myles Turner.”
Lillard’s Tenure Ends After Injury-Plagued Run
Lillard’s time in Milwaukee comes to an abrupt end after just two seasons. He returned to the lineup during the 2025 NBA Playoffs after battling deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf. Unfortunately, his comeback was short-lived. In Game 4 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, Lillard suffered a devastating Achilles tendon tear, sidelining him for the foreseeable future.
Given the severity of the injury and the uncertainty of his recovery timeline, the Bucks opted to move on, using the NBA’s stretch provision to ease their financial burden.
What This Means for the Bucks
By adding Myles Turner and stretching Lillard’s contract, the Milwaukee Bucks are positioning themselves for both short-term competitiveness and long-term flexibility. Turner adds immediate value on both ends of the court, and waiving Lillard avoids compromising the team’s future with additional trades or draft pick losses.
This bold front-office decision signals a new chapter in Milwaukee’s pursuit of another NBA championship — one that now includes a revamped core featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner.
