In a significant move to reshape their roster, the Milwaukee Bucks have decided to waive guard Damian Lillard as part of a strategy to create enough cap space to sign center Myles Turner to a lucrative four-year contract worth $107 million. This decision, confirmed by team sources to The Athletic on Tuesday, is a pivotal step for the Bucks as they aim to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Lillard, who is anticipated to miss most of the upcoming season due to a torn Achilles tendon, was set to earn $113 million over the next two seasons. With the Bucks waiving him, that financial commitment will now be stretched out over the next five years, allowing the team to navigate their salary cap more effectively. General Manager Jon Horst has consistently demonstrated a willingness to make bold moves to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo and the team in a position to contend for championships.
The decision to acquire Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers adds a powerful asset to the Bucks’ roster. Turner, who is known for his ability to shoot from the perimeter (39.3 percent on 5.2 attempts per game) and protect the rim (averaging two blocks per game), is expected to fill the void left by Brook Lopez. This acquisition not only enhances Milwaukee's roster but also reconfigures it strategically to compete for a top playoff seed in the East.
At 29 years old, Turner is nearly a year and a half younger than Antetokounmpo, positioning them as a formidable duo during the two-time MVP’s prime. Notably, the Pacers have eliminated the Bucks in the first round of the playoffs for the last two seasons, making Turner’s transition from rival to teammate particularly significant.
To facilitate this move, the Bucks will implement a cap strategy that involves waiving and stretching Lillard’s contract, signing Taurean Prince with the minimum exception, and bringing in Gary Trent Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr. under the room exception. Currently, Milwaukee has $19.6 million in cap room and is expected to reach the $24 million required to sign Turner by moving off the salary of Pat Connaughton, which stands at $9.3 million.
Following the announcement of his waiver, Lillard is reportedly thrilled with the outcome, as it places him in a unique position to choose his next team without the financial constraints typically associated with such moves. With $54.1 million owed for the upcoming season and $58.4 million in the 2026-27 campaign, Lillard has the flexibility to sign with a contending team now or reassess his options next summer.
League sources indicate that several contending teams have already reached out to Lillard, eager to explore the possibility of his joining their roster. The decision now lies with Lillard: whether to rehabilitate under a new team's guidance or wait until next summer to make a more informed choice about his future. This situation provides Lillard with an unprecedented level of freedom, especially considering he may have desired a change of scenery even before his injury.
As detailed in earlier reports, discussions were likely on the horizon regarding Lillard's future with the Bucks, especially given the on-court challenges he faced and his desire to be closer to his children. Now, with the ability to select his next destination, Lillard's future looks promising, marking a new chapter in his career.
This strategic move by the Milwaukee Bucks not only underscores their commitment to building a championship-caliber team around Giannis Antetokounmpo but also represents a transformative moment for Damian Lillard as he navigates his next steps in the league.
