The Bucks waive Lillard sign Myles Turner move stunned the NBA on July 1, 2025, as the Milwaukee Bucks waived nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard to clear cap space for a four-year, $107 million deal with former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner.
This seismic roster shake-up, driven by Lillard’s Achilles injury, aims to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo’s championship window open but risks alienating the Bucks’ star and fanbase.
A Bold Roster Overhaul
The Bucks waive Lillard sign Myles Turner decision followed Lillard’s torn Achilles in Game 4 of the 2025 playoffs against the Pacers, sidelining him for most or all of 2025-26 (The Athletic).
Milwaukee used the NBA’s stretch provision to spread Lillard’s $113 million over five years, creating $24 million in cap space to sign Turner (CBS Sports).

Turner, a 29-year-old rim protector, bolsters the Bucks’ frontcourt alongside Antetokounmpo after Brook Lopez joined a new team (Yahoo Sports).
Turner said, “I’m excited to join a contender like Milwaukee” (ESPN). Lillard, blindsided, learned of the move via social media, per Chris Haynes: “He was surprised” (ClutchPoints).
Key Trade Details and Stats
- Lillard’s 2024-25: 24.9 PPG, 7.1 APG, 38% 3PT in 73 games (ESPN).
- Turner’s 2024-25: 16.7 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.1 BPG, 36.1% 3PT (The Athletic).
- Cap Impact: $22.5 million annual dead cap for Lillard over five years (Hoops Rumors).
- Additional Moves: Taurean Prince (minimum), Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr. (room exception) signed (The Athletic).
Expert Insight: High Risk, High Reward
As an NBA observer, I view the Bucks waive Lillard sign Myles Turner, and moving as a gamble to prioritize Antetokounmpo’s prime.
Turner’s 1,400 career blocks and 700 three-pointers make him a rare stretch-five, mirroring Lopez but eight years younger (NBC Sports).
His 2.1 blocks per game in 2024-25 strengthen Milwaukee’s defense, which ranked 12th in efficiency (ESPN).
However, Lillard’s 7.1 assists and clutch scoring are irreplaceable, and his $22.5 million dead cap burdens the roster for years (Yahoo Sports).

Tim Bontemps called it a “stunning turn of events,” shaking the East (ESPN). Bucks GM Jon Horst defended the move: “We’re building for now and the future” (The Athletic).
Challenges and Controversy
The Bucks waive Lillard sign Myles Turner decision sparked debate. Antetokounmpo expressed frustration, posting a meme signaling confusion hours before the news (@Giannis_An34, X).
Lillard, reportedly “elated” to be a free agent despite the shock, faces an uncertain recovery at 35 (Bleacher Report).
Milwaukee’s cap, with 45% tied to Antetokounmpo, Turner, Kyle Kuzma, and Lillard’s dead money, limits flexibility (Behind The Buck Pass).
Pacers fans lamented Turner’s exit after their 2025 Finals run, as ownership avoided the luxury tax (NBC Sports).
X posts reflected outrage, with fans noting, “Bucks did Dame dirty” (@BucksFan22). Analyst Bill Simmons rated the move a “7 or 8” on the “WTF scale” (@BillSimmons, X).
Strategic Implications
The Bucks waive Lillard sign Myles Turner move aims to avoid a “gap year” while Lillard rehabs in Portland (Fox News).
Turner’s fit with Antetokounmpo promises spacing and rim protection, but losing Lillard’s 24.9 PPG leaves a void, with Trent Jr. and Porter Jr. unproven as replacements (Hoops Rumors).

Milwaukee’s fifth-place finish in the 2024-25 East demands immediate results, especially with Antetokounmpo’s reported unease (Basketnews.com).
Lillard’s next stop—potentially Miami or Portland—remains unclear, with teams wary of his injury (NBC Sports).
Final Thoughts: A Risky Reset
The Bucks waive Lillard sign Myles Turner saga has redefined Milwaukee’s trajectory, trading a sidelined star for a versatile center to keep Antetokounmpo contending.
While Turner’s addition strengthens the roster, Lillard’s abrupt exit and the financial fallout raise questions about team chemistry and long-term planning.
As the 2025-26 season looms, this bold move will shape the Bucks’ title hopes.
Comment your thoughts below on whether the Bucks waive Lillard sign Myles Turner decision will pay off.
The Bucks reportedly waived ex-Warriors rival, Bay Area native Damian Lillard to sign free agent Myles Turnerhttps://t.co/hMBpT0xy3m
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) July 1, 2025
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