Myles Turner has agreed to a four-year contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, a decision that has led to the unexpected waiving of nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard. This surprising sequence of events was confirmed by a source familiar with the negotiations, who spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday. Turner’s contract includes a player option, marking the end of his decade-long tenure with the Indiana Pacers, who recently reached the NBA Finals.
The Bucks’ decision to waive Lillard, who is owed $112.6 million, will utilize the NBA’s stretch provision to distribute the payout over the next five seasons. This information was shared by an anonymous source, as the teams involved have yet to officially announce the moves. ESPN initially reported the details of the transactions, noting that Turner’s contract is valued at $107 million.
Injuries Alter the NBA Landscape
Both Turner and Lillard’s moves are influenced by significant injuries. Indiana’s star guard Tyrese Haliburton is expected to miss the entire upcoming season after rupturing his Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Haliburton’s injury occurred while he was playing through a calf strain against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Similarly, Lillard suffered an Achilles tendon rupture earlier in the playoffs while representing Milwaukee in a matchup against Indiana. This injury is likely to sideline him for most, if not all, of the forthcoming season. Despite this setback, Lillard will have the opportunity to sign with any team, potentially allowing him to recover fully and return to action by the 2026-27 season.
Financial and Strategic Implications
Turner’s move to Milwaukee comes at a pivotal moment for the Bucks, who recently lost Brook Lopez to the Los Angeles Clippers at the onset of free agency. Turner’s career averages of 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds over ten seasons with the Pacers provide a promising addition to the Bucks’ roster.
For Indiana, the decision to part ways with Turner was influenced by financial considerations. The team faced a choice between exceeding the luxury tax threshold or making strategic roster changes, particularly given Haliburton’s anticipated absence. Turner’s departure allows the Pacers to manage their salary cap more effectively while planning for the future.
Lillard’s Legacy and Future Prospects
Damian Lillard, who will turn 35 later this month, boasts an impressive career average of 25.1 points and 6.7 assists across 900 regular-season games. His career began with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he spent 11 seasons before joining Milwaukee. Lillard’s potential return to the court remains a topic of speculation, as teams may consider signing him with an eye towards his recovery and eventual comeback.
“Lillard’s impact on the game is undeniable, and his journey through recovery will be closely watched by fans and teams alike,” said an NBA analyst.
The Bucks’ acquisition of Turner and the waiving of Lillard represent significant shifts within the NBA landscape. As the league continues to evolve, these moves highlight the dynamic nature of team strategies and player careers.
With the NBA season approaching, all eyes will be on how these changes affect team dynamics and performance. The Bucks, now with Turner in their ranks, aim to strengthen their position in the league, while the Pacers navigate a challenging period without their star guard.