Big Moves: Lillard Waived, Turner Signed

Milwaukee has officially waived Damian Lillard and stretched the remaining $113 million of his contract over the next five seasons—a financial maneuver to open cap space. In his place, the team has signed seven‑footer Myles Turner to a four‑year, $107 million deal (with a player option in 2028‑29 and a 15% trade kicker).

• Turner, previously of the Pacers, comes off a solid season averaging 15.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, and 2.0 bpg in 72 starts, and helped Indiana reach the NBA Finals.
• Lillard, recovering from Achilles surgery in May, had averaged 24.9 ppg and 7.1 apg in his last partial season. The team used the CBA “stretch and release” rule to absorb his salary.

Giannis Walks a Tightrope

The reaction from superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo? He’s reportedly “not pleased” with the decision to cut ties with Lillard.

• On X (formerly Twitter), Giannis posted a cryptic message: “I don’t know what’s going on right now, man” alongside a celebratory throwback photo.
• According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Giannis was “not pleased” and was initially kept in the dark before the move.
• The underlying theme? Front office aimed to “keep Giannis happy”—opting to refresh his supporting cast in hopes he’ll stay amidst swirling trade rumors.

What This Means for the Bucks

• The move swaps Lillard’s offensive firepower and ball-handling for Turner’s rim protection and spacing, slotting him next to Giannis as a modern defensive big.
• By stretching Lillard’s contract, Milwaukee frees up about $22.5 million annually in cap space for Turner—though that Lillard salary will linger on their books.
• Multiple reports label the move as “risky” or even “reckless”, with some league execs warning it could backfire .

Lillard & Turner: New Paths

• Lillard, now a free agent, will continue getting paid while rehabbing but seems unlikely to sign elsewhere during the 2025‑26 season.
• Turner transitions from carefree Pacers veteran to a Bucks centerpiece — replacing Brook Lopez’s role, offering elite shot-blocking, and stretching the floor.

So What’s Ahead?

• Will Giannis embrace this new-look roster or grow even more disillusioned?
• Can Turner’s defensive presence and versatility offset the loss of Lillard’s elite playmaking and scoring?
• This overhaul makes Milwaukee one of the most intriguing teams in the East heading into the 2025-26 season, with ripple effects on Giannis’s future and the league’s power balance.

This isn’t just a roster tweak—it could be a turning point for the Bucks franchise. Stay tuned to see whether Turner-Giannis becomes a long-term tandem or if Giannis’s response sets up an even bigger move.