• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 25, 2025

Bucks Shock NBA World By Waiving Lillard’s $113M Deal, Signing Turner

Giannis Antetokounmpo was reportedly “open-minded” on leaving the Bucks after they were eliminated from the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.

Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn images

The Bucks are pulling out all the stops in an effort to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy—though, with their roster limitations, that may be easier said than done.

Despite having limited cap flexibility entering the offseason, Milwaukee agreed to a four-year, $107 million contract with Myles Turner, the Pacers center fresh off a trip to the NBA Finals, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. 

In order to make room for Turner, the Bucks are waiving nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard, who had two years, $112.6 million remaining on his deal, but was expected to miss most or all of next season with a torn Achilles tendon.

The Bucks are using the stretch provision on Lillard, meaning they will pay out his contract over five years. Lillard’s deal will take up about $22.5 million of the Bucks’ cap space until the 2029–30 season. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, it’s the largest use of the stretch provision in league history.

In May, ESPN reported that Antetokounmpo was “open-minded” about leaving the Bucks weeks after the team was eliminated by the Pacers in the first round of the NBA playoffs. It was the third year in a row that Milwaukee was unable to advance past the first round of the playoffs.

Milwaukee appeared to be tearing down its core that won the 2021 championship after trading Jrue Holiday to the Celtics in 2023, Khris Middleton to the Wizards in February, and allowing Brook Lopez to sign with the Clippers on Monday. All three players were on the wrong side of 30. 

The decision to sign the 29-year-old Turner and waive Lillard appears to be a last-ditch effort by the Bucks to build a contender around Antetokounmpo. Ironically, the Bucks traded for Damian Lillard two years ago in an attempt to retool around the Greek star, but injuries to Lillard and Middleton limited their ceiling.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Antetokounmpo is “not pleased” with the Bucks’ decision to waive Lillard. However, Charania reported that Turner and Antetokounmpo “valued the opportunity to partner together.”

Haliburton’s Injury Lingers

These moves are a trickle-down effect of Tyrese Haliburton’s unfortunate Achilles tear in Game 7 of the NBA Finals just two weeks ago.

The Pacers were reportedly prepared to re-sign Turner and go into the luxury tax for the first time in two decades. However, according to Charania, Indiana’s “aversion to the luxury tax” grew after Haliburton’s Achilles tear, which, like Lillard’s, may keep him out for the entire 2025–26 season.

Turner reportedly wanted to stay in Indiana, but according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Indiana’s offers didn’t exceed the range of three years, $60 million. That would be an average salary of $20 million, which is $6.75 million less than what he will receive in Milwaukee.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Featured Today

Ryan Field Construction
exclusive

First Look Inside Northwestern’s $862 Million New Ryan Field

Five big things FOS learned on our exclusive stadium tour.
Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.
July 17, 2025

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
2025 PDC World Darts Championship Final - Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen
July 16, 2025

A Teen Darts Prodigy Is Becoming Bigger Than the Game Itself

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is cashing in on his devastatingly accurate shot.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive
July 13, 2025

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Jul 9, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (31) hugs guard Leila Lacan (47) after a play against the Seattle Storm in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Sun Will Play in Connecticut Next Year Amid Relocation Rumors

The team told season-ticket holders they’ll stay for 2026.
Jul 11, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Storm guard Tiffany Mitchell (25) drives around Connecticut Sun forward Aneesah Morrow (24) during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena.
July 23, 2025

NFL Star Bobby Wagner Takes Ownership Stake in Seattle Storm

Sue Bird joined the ownership group last year.
July 23, 2025

Packers Hit Record $719M in Revenue, Riding NFL’s Growth Wave

The NFL team’s annual revenue and operating profit both grow strongly.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Jul 23, 2025; Ashburn, VA, USA; A view of a Washington Commanders team flag flying in front of team headquarters on day one of training camp at OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park.
July 23, 2025

D.C. Nears Commanders Stadium Vote Amid Trump’s Name Push

Local government leaders try to stay focused on completing the stadium pact.
July 23, 2025

Rockies Sign Ethan Holliday to Record High-School Bonus

Colorado makes history with the No. 4 pick in last week’s MLB draft.
Emma Meesseman
July 22, 2025

Liberty Load Up for Title Defense With Emma Meesseman 

She last played in the WNBA in 2022.
July 22, 2025

Bengals Owner Confident on Stadium Deal As Star Player Skips Camp

Lease negotiations advance while contract talks with their star defensive end do not.