Milwaukee Bucks waive Damian Lillard to acquire Myles Turner

In July 2025, the Milwaukee Bucks made a significant roster change by waiving star guard Damian Lillard, whose contract included about $113 million remaining. This decision was driven by Lillard's recent Achilles injury, which is expected to keep him sidelined for the entirety of the 2025-26 season. To manage Lillard's contract, the Bucks opted for the NBA's Stretch Provision, allowing them to distribute his salary cap hit over five years at approximately $22.5 million annually. By doing so, they created room to sign center Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers, who signed a four-year, $107 million deal with the Bucks. This strategic move aims to retain the franchise's competitiveness as they focus on supporting their star forward, Giannis Antetokounmpo, amidst an increasingly open Eastern Conference. The decision to part with Lillard has generated controversy, as Giannis is reportedly unhappy with the loss of the nine-time All-Star, highlighting the Bucks' precarious position in keeping their core players satisfied and their championship aspirations alive. With Lillard's departure and Turner signing, the Bucks are seeking to reshape their roster to better compete in their division and the broader NBA landscape. This restructuring not only reflects the franchise's urgent need to adapt but also illustrates the evolving dynamics of the league, especially given the injuries affecting key rivals. Lillard's time in Milwaukee was brief following a major three-team trade in 2023 that sent him to the Bucks from the Portland Trail Blazers, a shift that was intended to bolster their playoff chances. Now, as he embarks on a new chapter in his career as an unrestricted free agent, the future for Lillard remains uncertain, especially considering his recovery process from injury and the potential for different teams to engage him in contract discussions moving forward. Meanwhile, Turner’s acquisition symbolizes the Bucks intelligence in navigating complex salary cap issues while aiming to stay competitive. Overall, the Bucks' decision reflects a broader trend of franchises making bold moves in the face of injuries and the need for roster adjustments. As they head into the next season without Lillard, the expectations on Turner to provide both offensive and defensive support will be high, given his track record and capabilities on the court. How this decision ultimately impacts Giannis’s tenure in Milwaukee and the team’s performance in the upcoming season will be the focal point for fans and analysts alike, setting a pivotal stage for the franchise's ambitions in the Eastern Conference and beyond.