Bucks Land Myles Turner, waive Damian Lillard in Bold roster Shakeup

The Milwaukee Bucks are undergoing a⁣ significant roster overhaul, highlighted by the ‍acquisition ⁣of center Myles‍ Turner and the waiving‍ of guard Damian Lillard.These moves signal a strategic shift as ‍the franchise aims to retool around star forward giannis Antetokounmpo.

By releasing Lillard before Aug. 29, the Bucks will utilize the CBA’s “stretch provision” to spread his remaining $113 million over five years, resulting in a $22.5 million annual‍ cap hit. This restructured payment plan allows Milwaukee to retain its future draft ⁣picks while ⁣creating financial flexibility.

Turner,a⁤ 10-year veteran ‍with the Indiana Pacers,expressed his desire to remain in Indiana.However, after Indiana’s Game 7 NBA‍ Finals⁣ loss to ⁤the Oklahoma⁣ City Thunder, negotiations stalled due to⁤ the Pacers’ aversion to the luxury tax, especially after Tyrese Haliburton’s achilles injury. This opened the⁣ door for Milwaukee to⁣ acquire the ‍sought-after ‍center.

The 29-year-old ‍Turner is known for his ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim.Last ‍season,the 6-foot-11 center shot a ⁤career-best⁣ 39.6% from 3-point range, averaging 15.6 points,6.5 ‍rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per ⁣game. He ⁤also recorded a‍ team-high 46 blocks during Indiana’s postseason run.

Turner joins ⁤brook ‍Lopez and Rasheed Wallace as the only⁤ NBA players with at least 700 3-pointers and 1,400‍ blocks.

Bucks General Manager Jon Horst⁢ and Austin‍ Brown of‍ CAA orchestrated the complex deal to reshape the roster around Antetokounmpo. The Bucks traded ⁤Pat⁢ Connaughton ‍and two second-round picks (2031, 2032) to the Charlotte Hornets for guard Vasilije Micic. Connaughton averaged 5.3 points and 2.7 rebounds last season, ⁤while Micic contributed 6.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists for Charlotte.

Milwaukee also re-signed free agent Jericho Sims to a two-year deal with ⁢a player⁣ option in the second⁢ year. Sims played in ⁣a career-high 53 games last ⁣season.

The Bucks have also re-signed Bobby Portis, ⁢Gary Trent Jr., taurean ⁢Prince, and Kevin Porter⁤ Jr.this offseason. Brook ‍Lopez departed,signing with the LA Clippers.

Milwaukee also signed Gary Harris to a two-year deal, with ⁢a player ⁤option on the second ‍season. Harris, a veteran wing, averaged 3.0 points and⁢ 1.3 rebounds for the Orlando magic ⁣last season.

The Bucks’ front office, recognizing the opportunity to pair Turner with Antetokounmpo, capitalized on the Pacers’ reluctance to exceed the luxury tax threshold.

The acquisition of Myles Turner underscores milwaukee’s commitment⁢ to ⁣building a championship contender‍ around Giannis Antetokounmpo.‍ This move follows previous high-profile acquisitions, including jrue Holiday in 2020 and Damian Lillard in 2023.Now, Horst⁢ adds Turner, solidifying ⁤the ⁣Bucks’ frontcourt and sending ⁢a clear ⁤message ⁢to the Eastern Conference.

Lillard,who turns 35 on July 15,averaged ⁣24.9 points and 7.1 assists in 58 games for Milwaukee, earning his ninth All-Star selection. He sustained an injury in Game 4 of the Bucks’⁢ first-round playoff series against the Pacers.

Prior to his time with the Bucks,⁤ Lillard spent 11 seasons with ⁣the Portland Trail Blazers,⁤ earning seven All-Star selections and leading Portland to eight playoff appearances, including a Western Conference finals appearance in ⁣2019. ‍He is the⁤ Trail ⁣Blazers’ all-time ‍leader in points and 3-pointers.