Strategic Moves: Bucks Renew Their Roster with Turner and Release Lillard
The Milwaukee Bucks are remodeling their roster with significant moves aimed at strengthening their game. The franchise has decided to cut Damian Lillard and distribute the remaining $113 million of his contract to acquire free agent center Myles Turner.
Turner has agreed to a four-year, $107 million contract with the Bucks, which includes a player option in the fourth year (2028-29) and a full 15% trade kicker.Damian Lillard was tenth in the NBA in scoring (24.9) and assists (7.1) this season with the Bucks. Following his release, he will receive the entirety of the $113 million owed to him and will be able to rehabilitate his torn Achilles tendon while choosing his next destination at his own pace.Lillard’s departure marks the end of his two seasons in Milwaukee, as the player recovers from a ruptured Achilles tendon that required surgery in early May.
Lillard, who welcomed the release, will be able to rehabilitate in Portland, near his family, and will have the freedom to choose his next team.
By releasing Lillard before August 29th, the Bucks can use the “extension clause” in the collective bargaining agreement, without affecting their future draft picks. For salary cap purposes, the team can extend the remaining two years of Lillard’s contract to five, paying $22.5 million per year. The extended salary cannot exceed 15% of the salary cap, which is currently $23.197 million.
Turner, the player with the most time on the Pacers, had expressed his desire to stay in Indiana. However, Indiana’s aversion to the luxury tax, exacerbated by Tyrese Haliburton’s injury, allowed the Bucks to secure their new center.
Turner, 29, was key to the Pacers’ success, demonstrating his ability to open the court and defend the rim. This season, he recorded 39.6% effectiveness in 3-point shots, his best mark, with averages of 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.
Turner is one of three players in NBA history with 700 three-pointers and 1,400 blocks, along with Brook Lopez and Rasheed Wallace.
Bucks general manager Jon Horst and Austin Brown, co-director of basketball at CAA, collaborated to finalize this deal, which seeks to restructure Milwaukee and allow it to compete aggressively around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In other moves, the Bucks sent Pat Connaughton and two second-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Vasilije Micic.
The Bucks also re-signed Jericho Sims to a two-year contract, which includes a player option in the second season.
Additionally, the team has agreed to the renewal of Bobby Portis and the return of Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Kevin Porter Jr. This season, Milwaukee lost Brook Lopez, who signed with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Bucks also reached a two-year agreement with free agent forward Gary Harris, with a player option in the second season.
Turner and Antetokounmpo valued the opportunity to play together, which highlights the Bucks’ ambition to compete at the highest level.
This is another important move by the Milwaukee management, while Antetokounmpo considers his future and whether his best option is to continue with the Bucks.
In 2020, Horst acquired Jrue Holiday in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. In 2023, the Bucks acquired Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. Now, with the acquisition of Turner, they demonstrate their commitment to building a competitive team in the Eastern Conference with Antetokounmpo at his peak.
Lillard, who will turn 35 on July 15, became one of the leaders in the locker room alongside Antetokounmpo, playing 58 games in his second season in Milwaukee and being selected for his ninth All-Star Game. He had an efficient season, ranking 10th in the NBA in scoring (24.9) and assists (7.1).
Lillard played 11 seasons with the Trail Blazers, being selected seven times to the All-Star and seven times to the All-NBA. He led Portland to the playoffs eight times, including an appearance in the Western Conference finals in 2018-19. He is first in team history in points and three-pointers, and second in assists.
