In a strategic move aimed at bolstering their roster, the Milwaukee Bucks have decided to waive guard Damian Lillard to create cap space for signing center Myles Turner. This decision, confirmed by team sources on Tuesday, marks a significant shift for the Bucks as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season.
Lillard, who is expected to miss most of the next season due to a torn Achilles tendon, was set to earn $113 million over the next two years. The Bucks will now stretch this amount over five seasons, freeing up the necessary financial room to offer Turner a four-year, $107 million contract.
Strategic Moves by the Bucks
The decision to waive Lillard is part of a broader strategy by Bucks general manager Jon Horst, who has been known for his aggressive moves to maintain a competitive edge around star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lillard’s injury during Game 4 of the Bucks’ first-round playoff series was a significant setback, threatening the team’s contender status in the Eastern Conference.
By acquiring Turner from the Indiana Pacers, Horst has again caught the league by surprise. Turner, a versatile center, is expected to fill the void left by Brook Lopez, reconfiguring the Bucks’ roster to compete for a top playoff seed. This move not only strengthens Milwaukee but also weakens an Indiana team that has been a playoff nemesis, eliminating the Bucks in the first round for the past two seasons.
Myles Turner: A Perfect Fit
Turner, at 29, is one of the few players capable of replicating Lopez’s contributions. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc, with a 39.3 percent success rate on 5.2 attempts per game, combined with his defensive prowess of averaging two blocks per game, makes him an ideal fit for the Bucks. Additionally, Turner’s age aligns well with Antetokounmpo, offering the potential for a dynamic partnership during the two-time MVP’s prime years.
Cap Mechanics and Financial Strategy
To facilitate this transition, the Bucks plan to waive and stretch Lillard’s contract, sign Taurean Prince with the minimum exception, and bring in Gary Trent Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr. through the room exception. Currently, the Bucks have $19.6 million in cap space, which they aim to increase to $24 million by potentially moving Pat Connaughton’s $9.3 million salary.
Damian Lillard’s New Opportunities
For Lillard, this development opens new doors. According to league sources, he is pleased with the decision as it allows him to join a contending team of his choice, possibly as soon as this summer. Despite being owed $54.1 million this season and $58.4 million in 2026-27, Lillard could sign with a new team for a minimum salary and still receive the same total compensation due to the salary offset.
“It’s a powerful place to be when you’re a future Hall of Famer in your mid-30s who has never won a championship,” noted a league insider.
Several contending teams have already reached out to Lillard following the news. He now faces the decision of whether to join a team immediately and rehabilitate under their care or wait until next summer to evaluate his options. This newfound freedom is rare in professional sports and offers Lillard a unique opportunity to shape the next chapter of his career.
Looking Ahead
The Bucks’ decision to waive Lillard and sign Turner reflects a calculated risk aimed at maintaining their competitive stature in the league. As Milwaukee prepares for the upcoming season, the focus will be on integrating Turner into their system and maximizing the potential of their revamped roster. Meanwhile, Lillard’s next move will be closely watched as he navigates this pivotal moment in his career.
The coming months will reveal whether these strategic moves pay off for the Bucks and how Lillard’s career continues to evolve in the ever-competitive landscape of the NBA.
