Bucks Waive Damian Lillard in Surprise Move; sign Myles Turner
Table of Contents
- Bucks Waive Damian Lillard in Surprise Move; sign Myles Turner
- Bucks Make Bold Roster Changes
- Lillard’s Unexpected Free agency
- Lillard’s Performance and Health Challenges
- Turner Bolsters Bucks’ Frontcourt
- What’s Next for Lillard and the Bucks?
- Evergreen Insights: The Evolution of NBA Roster Construction
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Bucks’ Roster Changes
- Why did the Bucks waive Damian Lillard?
- How much money was remaining on Damian Lillard’s contract?
- Who is Myles turner, and why did the Bucks sign him?
- What was Damian Lillard’s performance like with the Bucks?
- What is the impact of damian Lillard’s Achilles injury?
- Where might Damian Lillard play next after being waived by the Bucks?
- How did Damian Lillard perform in the 2025 playoffs before his injury?
In a shocking turn of events, the Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly waived All-Star guard Damian Lillard. This move clears the way for the Bucks to sign free-agent center Myles Turner to a reported $107 million contract,according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Bucks Make Bold Roster Changes
Milwaukee will stretch the remaining $103 million on lillard’s contract over the next five seasons to accommodate Turner’s salary. This strategic financial maneuver allows the Bucks to add a key piece while managing their salary cap. The Bucks are looking to improve their interior defense, as they ranked 19th in defensive rating during the 2024-2025 season according to ESPN.
Did You Know? Stretching a contract allows a team to spread a player’s remaining salary over multiple years, reducing the immediate cap hit.
Lillard’s Unexpected Free agency
Lillard, entering his 14th NBA season, now becomes an unexpected addition to the free-agent market. Before being traded to Milwaukee before the 2023-24 season, he spent 11 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. His time with the Bucks was marked by solid performance, but also by injury.
Unfortunatly, Lillard is expected to miss the 2025-26 season after tearing his Achilles tendon during the Bucks’ 2025 postseason run. He suffered the injury in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Pacers. Achilles injuries typically require 9-12 months of recovery according to johns Hopkins Medicine.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on Lillard’s recovery progress. His next contract will likely depend on his ability to return to form after the Achilles injury.
Lillard’s Performance and Health Challenges
Despite the injury, Lillard showcased his resilience during the playoffs. He played three games in the series after making a remarkably fast return from deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot within a vessel that blocks blood flow back to the heart.
After missing the Bucks’ last 14 regular-season games, Lillard was cleared to resume full basketball activity. He missed Game 1 of the Pacers series to work his way back and then returned in Game 2. During the 2024-25 season, Lillard ranked 10th in the NBA in scoring (24.9 points per game) and assists (7.1 assists per game), earning his ninth All-Star game selection.
Turner Bolsters Bucks’ Frontcourt
The addition of Myles Turner addresses a critical need for the Bucks. Turner, known for his shot-blocking and three-point shooting, provides a notable upgrade to Milwaukee’s frontcourt. In the 2024-2025 season, Turner averaged 17.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game according to NBA.com.
The Bucks are betting that Turner’s presence will elevate their defense and provide spacing on offense, making them a more formidable contender in the Eastern Conference.
What’s Next for Lillard and the Bucks?
Lillard’s future is now uncertain as he enters free agency with a significant injury. several teams may be interested in acquiring him, depending on his recovery and willingness to accept a reduced role. For the Bucks,the focus shifts to integrating Turner into the lineup and maximizing their championship window with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
| Player | Points Per Game (2024-25) | Assists Per Game (2024-25) | Blocks Per Game (2024-25) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damian Lillard | 24.9 | 7.1 | 0.3 |
| Myles Turner | 17.3 | 1.2 | 2.3 |
Evergreen Insights: The Evolution of NBA Roster Construction
the NBA has seen a dramatic shift in roster construction strategies over the past decade. Teams are increasingly prioritizing versatility, three-point shooting, and defensive flexibility. The Bucks’ decision to waive Lillard and sign Turner reflects this trend, as they seek to optimize their roster for the modern NBA game.
Historically, teams relied on traditional centers for interior scoring and rebounding. However, the rise of stretch-fives like Turner, who can space the floor and protect the rim, has changed the landscape. This evolution requires teams to adapt and make difficult decisions to stay competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bucks’ Roster Changes
Why did the Bucks waive Damian Lillard?
The Bucks waived Damian Lillard to create financial flexibility and facilitate the signing of free-agent center Myles Turner. Stretching Lillard’s contract allows them to manage their salary cap more effectively.
How much money was remaining on Damian Lillard’s contract?
Approximately $103 million was remaining on Damian Lillard’s contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. This amount will now be stretched over the next five seasons.
Who is Myles turner, and why did the Bucks sign him?
Myles Turner is a free-agent center who has agreed to a $107 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. He is expected to become the team’s new starting center, providing rim protection and offensive versatility.
What was Damian Lillard’s performance like with the Bucks?
During the 2024-25 season, Damian Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game for the Milwaukee Bucks, earning his ninth All-Star Game selection. However, his season was cut short due to an Achilles tendon injury.
What is the impact of damian Lillard’s Achilles injury?
Damian Lillard is expected to miss the 2025-26 NBA season due to a torn Achilles tendon he suffered during the Bucks’ 2025 playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. This injury significantly impacts his free-agent value and availability.
Where might Damian Lillard play next after being waived by the Bucks?
As a surprise addition to the free agent market, several teams may express interest in Damian Lillard despite his injury. His next destination will depend on his recovery and the offers he receives.
How did Damian Lillard perform in the 2025 playoffs before his injury?
Before tearing his Achilles,Lillard played three games in the first-round series against the Pacers,making a quick return from deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. He demonstrated his commitment to the team despite the health challenges.
What do you think of the Bucks’ decision to waive Lillard and sign Turner? Will this move make them a stronger contender? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This article provides news and analysis. Consult with a qualified professional for financial or medical advice.