Myles Turner entered the free agency period as one of the most coveted players in the NBA. Known for his ability as an athletic stretch five, Turner’s skills in rim protection and shot-blocking make him a rare asset. Despite the interest from various teams, none had the financial means to secure his services. Most analysts expected that the Indiana Pacers would step up and commit to keeping Turner alongside rising star Tyrese Haliburton. However, Indiana surprised many by opting not to pay, which opened the door for the Milwaukee Bucks to make a bold move. In an unexpected turn, the Bucks waived and stretched the $112.6 million owed to Damian Lillard, who is likely out for most of the upcoming season due to a torn Achilles. This financial maneuver allowed them to sign Turner to a lucrative four-year, $104 million contract, marking one of the most shocking transactions in recent NBA history.
The Milwaukee Bucks have emerged as a clear winner in the short-term after acquiring Turner. Over the years, Giannis Antetokounmpo has subtly hinted at his desire for the Bucks to enhance their roster, making this move crucial. After previously trading away most of their future draft picks, many doubted Milwaukee's ability to make another significant acquisition. By waiving Lillard, the Bucks not only created salary cap space but also retained a strong core. With many key players returning, including Turner, the Bucks are poised to be a formidable contender in the Eastern Conference.
Milwaukee’s projected starting lineup features:
Kevin Porter and Gary Trent Jr. as the primary guards, with AJ Green providing depth. Kyle Kuzma starting at small forward, backed by Taurean Prince. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who will need to deliver MVP-level performances. Myles Turner, offering an upgrade over Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis at center.Turner’s presence significantly enhances the Bucks' potential. His recent playoff performances against the Bucks, where he outperformed Lopez, further solidify this upgrade. With a solid mix of role players, the Bucks could be on a path back to the NBA Finals, depending on how the season unfolds.
Despite the immediate benefits, the long-term implications for the Bucks are concerning. The decision to waive Lillard, which resulted in the largest waived-and-stretched contract in NBA history, will leave Milwaukee with $22.5 million in dead money for the next five seasons. This financial burden could hinder the team’s future plans, especially since they do not control their first-round draft pick until 2031. Antetokounmpo’s eventual departure—whether through retirement or a trade—could lead to a significant decline in the franchise's fortunes, much like accumulating credit card debt that will eventually need to be settled.
Myles Turner is a bittersweet winner in this scenario. After spending a decade with the Indiana Pacers, where he played a pivotal role in the franchise's history, he sought a contract that reflected his value. The Pacers' ownership was reluctant to enter the luxury tax, which led to Turner’s exit. Now, he finds himself on a championship-contending team, with an average salary exceeding $25 million per year, aligning with the market rate for a center of his caliber.
Damian Lillard also benefits from this trade, as he expressed dissatisfaction during his time in Milwaukee, particularly due to the distance from his family and the team's struggles. With this recent development, Lillard is now in a position to choose the team he wants to join next. Sources indicate that he is thrilled with the newfound opportunities, allowing him to focus on basketball without financial constraints. Potential landing spots include the Miami Heat and the Portland Trail Blazers, but Lillard is expected to take his time in making a decision.
Unfortunately, the biggest losers in this scenario may be the fans of the Indiana Pacers. Many supporters hoped Turner would remain with the team, especially since he expressed a desire to stay. The Pacers' hesitance to invest in their roster has led to a significant loss, and with Haliburton expected to miss most of the upcoming season due to injury, the outlook is bleak for this year. However, there is hope for the future; once Haliburton returns and if the franchise can regroup, they could once again be competitive in the Eastern Conference.
