In a massive shakeup to the NBA landscape, the Milwaukee Bucks have officially waived All-Star guard Damian Lillard, while securing a new 4-year, $107 million deal with former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner. The deal comes amid a strategic salary cap restructure and roster retooling aimed at building a stronger core around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Let’s break down what this move means for the Bucks, Lillard, and the future of the Eastern Conference.
🏀 Damian Lillard Waived: What Happened?
Sources confirmed to ESPN’s Shams Charania that the Bucks have decided to waive Damian Lillard, stretching his remaining $113 million contract over five years. This move frees up critical cap space for the team, allowing them to remain competitive without surrendering future draft picks.
- Contract Stretched: $113M over 5 years = $22.5M/year
- Stretch provision used before Aug 29 to keep within salary cap limits
- Lillard now becomes a free agent while rehabbing a torn Achilles in Portland
Despite the setback, Lillard will still receive the full $113 million owed, giving him time and space to recover and choose his next team on his terms.
🛡️ Myles Turner Signs with Bucks: 4-Year, $107M Deal
In a bold move to rebuild their defensive core, the Bucks signed Myles Turner to a 4-year, $107 million contract including a player option in 2028-29 and a 15% trade kicker.
Turner’s 2024-25 Stats:
- Points: 15.6 PPG
- Rebounds: 6.5 RPG
- Blocks: 2.0 BPG
- 3-Point %: Career-best 39.6%
He is one of only three players in NBA history with 700+ 3-pointers and 1,400+ blocks, joining Brook Lopez and Rasheed Wallace.
His ability to space the floor and protect the rim makes him a perfect complement to Giannis Antetokounmpo in the frontcourt.
🔁 Additional Bucks Roster Moves on July 1, 2025
The Bucks didn’t stop there. On a busy Tuesday, Milwaukee made several additional roster changes:
✅ Traded Pat Connaughton and two second-round picks (2031, 2032) to the Charlotte Hornets for guard Vasilije Micic
✅ Re-signed Jericho Sims (2-year deal, player option for year two)
✅ Signed Gary Harris (2-year deal with player option)
✅ Re-signed Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Kevin Porter Jr.
🔍 Why Indiana Let Turner Go
Although Turner expressed interest in staying with the Pacers, Indiana’s front office hesitated due to luxury tax concerns, especially following Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury in the Finals against the Thunder. This opened the door for Milwaukee to make the deal.
💔 End of an Era: Lillard’s Legacy
Damian Lillard leaves Milwaukee after two seasons, playing 58 games last season with averages of:
- 24.9 PPG
- 7.1 APG
- 45% FG | 38% 3PT
Lillard, who turns 35 this July, remains one of the most respected leaders and elite guards in NBA history. Before joining the Bucks, he spent 11 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, leading them to the Western Conference Finals in 2019 and becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in points and 3-pointers.
🚨 What’s Next for the Bucks?
With Lopez heading to the Clippers and Lillard’s departure, the Bucks’ aggressive front office has made it clear: they are all-in on building around Giannis Antetokounmpo. The addition of Myles Turner not only strengthens their defense but also weakens an Eastern rival.
GM Jon Horst is betting big on this reshaped roster to bring Milwaukee back to the top.
📈 Final Thoughts
This may be the boldest front-office day since the Bucks acquired Jrue Holiday in 2020 or Lillard in 2023. Only time will tell if the Giannis-Turner duo delivers a championship, but Milwaukee’s intent is crystal clear — win now, and build smart.
Stay tuned as the 2025 NBA Free Agency continues to surprise fans and reshape the league!
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