The Milwaukee Bucks have made a bold decision to waive guard Damian Lillard in a strategic move to create cap space for signing center Myles Turner to a lucrative four-year, $107 million contract. This development was confirmed by team sources on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in the Bucks’ roster strategy.
Lillard, who is expected to miss most of the upcoming season due to a torn Achilles tendon, was originally set to earn $113 million over the next two seasons. The Bucks will now stretch this amount over five years, a financial maneuver that allows them to pursue Turner, a highly sought-after talent from the Indiana Pacers.
Strategic Moves to Maintain Competitiveness
Bucks general manager Jon Horst has consistently demonstrated an aggressive approach to maintaining a competitive team around star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lillard’s injury during Game 4 of the Bucks’ first-round playoff series was a significant setback, potentially jeopardizing their status as Eastern Conference contenders.
By acquiring Turner, Horst has once again surprised the league. Turner’s addition not only provides a skilled replacement for veteran center Brook Lopez but also reconfigures the Bucks’ roster, positioning them to compete for a top playoff seed in the East. This move also weakens the Pacers, who have been a formidable opponent, eliminating the Bucks in the first round for the past two seasons.
Myles Turner: A Perfect Fit
At 29, Myles Turner is uniquely positioned to fill the void left by Lopez. Known for his ability to shoot from beyond the arc with a 39.3 percent success rate on 5.2 attempts per game, Turner also excels at rim protection, averaging two blocks per game. His age aligns well with Antetokounmpo’s, allowing them to form a dynamic duo during the two-time MVP’s prime years.
The Bucks’ plan involves waiving and stretching Lillard’s contract, signing Taurean Prince with the minimum exception, and bringing in Gary Trent Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr. through the room exception. Currently, Milwaukee has $19.6 million in cap room and aims to reach the $24 million required for Turner by offloading Pat Connaughton’s $9.3 million salary.
Damian Lillard’s New Chapter
For Damian Lillard, this move opens up new opportunities. According to league sources, Lillard is enthusiastic about the decision, as it places him in a unique position to join a contending team of his choice without financial constraints. With $54.1 million owed this season and $58.4 million in the 2026-27 campaign, any team acquiring him will benefit from a salary offset during this period.
“Lillard could sign for a minimum-salary deal and still receive the same amount, a powerful position for a mid-30s future Hall of Famer yet to win a championship,” noted a league source.
Following the news of his departure from the Bucks, several contending teams have already reached out to Lillard. The key decision for him now is whether to join a team immediately and rehabilitate under their care or wait until next summer to evaluate his options. This scenario offers Lillard unprecedented freedom, especially given that a change of scenery seemed inevitable even before his injury.
Looking Ahead
The Bucks’ decision to waive Lillard and pursue Turner underscores their commitment to remaining competitive in the Eastern Conference. As the team reshapes its roster, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these moves impact their performance in the upcoming season.
For Lillard, the next steps involve careful consideration of his future, balancing the desire for a championship with the realities of his recovery. As the NBA landscape continues to evolve, both the Bucks and Lillard find themselves at pivotal junctures in their respective journeys.
