In a significant NBA move, the Milwaukee Bucks let go of Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner. A significant choice has been made by the Milwaukee Bucks. Myles Turner is being signed to replace top player Damian Lillard, who was released. Although many NBA fans are shocked by this news, there is a definite strategy behind it.

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Lillard played with the Bucks for two seasons alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, he played well and rose to the position of team leader. He hit 38% from three-point range and averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists in his sophomore campaign and additionally, he was selected for his ninth All-Star Game. However, Lillard had surgery in May after suffering an Achilles tendon injury and his season was cut short by this injury, which could take a long time to recover from.
The Bucks will be able to utilize the NBA's stretch clause if they let go of Lillard before August 29. They may now spread out his remaining $113 million deal over five years rather of two thanks to this provision and this makes it easier for the team to manage their finances under the salary cap because it means they will pay $22.5 million annually.
Lillard applauded the ruling and He may now recuperate in Portland close to his family and will still get all the money he is due. He won't need to make a trade to select his next team once he recovers.
Myles Turner Provides Shooting and Defense
The Bucks wasted no time. They signed center Myles Turner, who spent ten years with the Indiana Pacers, shortly after they waived Lillard. Turner consented to a $107 million four-year contract that included a 15% trade bonus and a player option in the fourth year.
The 29-year-old Turner enjoyed one of his best seasons to date. One fun thing is that in every game, he averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and two blocks and he also had a career-high three-point shooting percentage of 39.6% and by spreading the floor with his shooting and protecting the basket, he benefits the team on both ends of the court.
Turner was not someone the Pacers wanted to lose. However, the franchise wanted to avoid paying excessive luxury taxes following their NBA Finals Game 7 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and the devastating injury to star guard Tyrese Haliburton. The Bucks were able to bring Turner to Milwaukee as a result.
Bucks are still all in, according to additional roster changes.
The Bucks also took additional actions. Vasilije Micic was acquired from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Pat Connaughton and two second-round choices. Last season, Micic averaged 3.1 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 6.6 points. Jericho Sims was also signed by the organization to a two-year contract. Sims participated in every postseason game and played in 53 games during the previous season. He is renowned for his powerful dunks and exudes intensity.
This offseason, Milwaukee also brought back important players. Taurean Prince, Gary Trent Jr., Bobby Portis, and Kevin Porter Jr. were all re-signed. These guys will support the team's depth and strength.
Brook Lopez also left the Bucks and joined the Los Angeles Clippers, though for many years, Lopez has played a significant role in the team's defense. Turner is now anticipated to assume that responsibility.
The Bucks have made audacious trades in the past. They introduced Jrue Holiday in 2020. They made a bold effort to acquire Damian Lillard in 2023. Myles Turner has been added as of 2025. Given that Giannis is still playing at his best, this demonstrates that general manager Jon Horst is still committed to winning.
A powerful legacy is left by Damian Lillard is that he played for the Portland Trail Blazers for 11 seasons before to joining Milwaukee and cause of this he was named an All-NBA player seven times and an All-Star seven times. He help Portland to get to the eight postseason trips, including one to the 2019 Western Conference Finals and he is second in assists and the Blazers' all-time leader in points and three-pointers.
To wrap this up
Despite his stay at Milwaukee, he had a good influence, though he contributed expertise, leadership, and excellent scoring. Regretfully, the Bucks found it difficult to retain him and yet assemble a successful team because of his injury and salary.
The future is now the main focus. Myles Turner gives the Bucks a dependable shooter, a powerful defender, and a player who is prepared to help them contend for another NBA championship. With fresh talent on the roster, Milwaukee is still one of the best teams in the East, and supporters may expect for the upcoming campaign.
Additionally, this move lets rival teams know that the Bucks are not going to slow down. They are not scared to make difficult decisions in order to remain competitive, and they are still building to win.
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