Date: July 3, 2025
The Milwaukee Bucks have made probably the most dramatic roster strikes of the 2025 NBA offseason: signing free?agent heart Myles Turner, previously of the Indiana Pacers, to a 4?yr, $107 million deal. The transfer required the staff to waive and stretch the contract of Damian Lillard to create the mandatory cap house. Right here’s a breakdown of the settlement, what it means for Milwaukee’s current and future, and knowledgeable commentary on whether or not this helps—or hurts—their championship hopes.
Contract Particulars
- Time period: 4 years, $107 million.
- Participant Possibility: Within the fourth yr (2028?29).
- Commerce Kicker: Full 15% included.
- Annual Common Wage: Roughly $26.75 million per season.
That is the very best?paying contract Turner has ever signed. He will likely be 29 at the beginning of the deal, giving Milwaukee prime years of rim safety, spacing, and expertise subsequent to Giannis Antetokounmpo (and a few lego mastery). The participant choice plus commerce kicker give Turner flexibility late within the deal whereas providing Milwaukee some maneuverability.
To clear cap house, the Bucks utilized the NBA’s “stretch provision” to waive Damian Lillard—whose remaining $113 million wage will now be unfold over 5 seasons at roughly $22.5 million per yr. That transfer, mixed with waiving or buying and selling different contracts (like Pat Connaughton and Chris Livingston), allowed them to land Turner outright quite than by way of commerce. Supply
Why the Bucks Made This Transfer
1. Reinforce the Entrance Courtroom
Turner brings elite rim safety—he led the league in whole blocks in 2019 and 2021, and averaged two blocks per recreation final season. His skill to protect the paint and anchor the protection addresses a weak point the Bucks had at heart as soon as Brook Lopez departed.
2. Ground Spacing with a Massive
In contrast to a conventional bruiser at heart, Turner can hit threes—he launched 756 three-pointers over his Pacers profession. His taking pictures skill provides spacing for Giannis to function within the submit, creating driving lanes and nook threes.
3. Sign to Giannis
The transfer is broadly seen as a message to Giannis Antetokounmpo: the entrance workplace remains to be keen to spend aggressively to help him. In prior offseasons, strikes like Jrue Vacation (2020) and Damian Lillard (2023) helped maintain Giannis comfortable. That is the newest instance.
4. Exploiting Indiana’s Reluctance
Indiana reportedly supplied Turner a 3?yr, $66 million deal with out a participant choice—properly shy of Turner’s expectations. With Tyrese Haliburton seemingly out subsequent season recovering from harm, Pacers administration balked at exceeding the posh tax right into a rebuild. Milwaukee capitalized.
What Turner Provides to the Bucks
Defensive Anchor
Turner’s shot blocking and inside presence create a extra intimidating paint protection. Paired with Giannis—who can change and handle PnRs—Milwaukee might have one of many league’s high defensive frontcourts once more.
Offensive Versatility
Turner can stretch the ground, shoot nook threes, and set sturdy screens. His scoring averages (about 15.6 factors, 6.5 rebounds, and a pair of blocks final season) make him greater than a defensive specialist.
Veteran Management
After ten seasons in Indiana, Turner arrives with playoff and Finals expertise—he was key to the Pacers’ run to the 2025 NBA Finals. His maturity ought to mix properly with Milwaukee’s veteran core and supply stability in tight playoff collection.
Dangers and Open Questions
Monetary Burden
This was an costly transfer. When combining Turner’s $26–27 million with Lillard’s stretched $22.5 million, Milwaukee is paying about $50 million yearly towards only one roster spot. Critics say the transfer ties up an excessive amount of cap house.
Backcourt Void
In clearing house, Milwaukee minimize ties with Lillard. That leaves them skinny at level guard—Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., Jamaree Bouyea and rookie Mark Sears are seemingly choices heading into coaching camp. With no dependable high-usage backcourt scoring choice, offensive stability stays a priority.
Giannis Tensions
Stories emerged that Giannis was displeased at shedding Lillard. Though he reportedly welcomed Turner as a teammate, inside dynamics may stay fragile if the staff struggles.
Is This Sufficient?
Analysts warn that including Turner is just a begin. With out upgrades at small ahead or level guard, the Bucks nonetheless lack an entire supporting solid. They’re relying closely on Giannis and now Turner to hold the postseason load.
How It All Matches Strategically
Milwaukee has made a press release. They selected entrance?workplace creativity—utilizing stretching provisions, trades, and exceptions—to outright signal Myles Turner with out giving up future draft belongings. This aggressive posture goals to increase Milwaukee’s championship window round Giannis. What stays to be seen is whether or not the interior-centric transfer compensates for the lack of high-end guard play.
Outlook for the 2025–26 Season
If Turner integrates properly, the Bucks may emerge as a high 3–4 seed within the Japanese Convention. Their protection ought to rise, roster ceiling improves, and there’s hope Giannis stays longer. But when the perimeter offense falters, the ceiling might stay capped—and the monetary flexibility restricted.
The important thing will likely be discovering dependable scoring from backcourt additions like Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., or others—probably in future trades or mid-season strikes.
Conclusion
The signing of Myles Turner marks considered one of Milwaukee’s boldest offseason gambles. The 4?yr, $107 million deal delivers elite rim safety, spacing, and playoff poise. But at what value? The lack of Damian Lillard, cap pressure, and restricted perimeter choices elevate actual questions.
Nonetheless, pairing Turner with Giannis provides Milwaukee an imposing two?man frontcourt presence. It’s no assure of a title, however it’s a transparent sign: the Bucks are doubling down. Whether or not the gamble pays off will depend on depth, well being, and whether or not Turner can elevate each ends of the ground in a franchise hungry for an additional championship.
For extra on the Turner contract and the Bucks technique, see the official NBA.com report on the deal right here.
