The Milwaukee Bucks have made headlines in this year’s NBA free agency after signing center Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. 

Turner will be filling the void left by Brook Lopez (after Lopez signed with the Clippers) to strengthen the Bucks’ frontcourt presence. To accommodate the move, the Bucks made the surprising decision to waive nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard, stretching his remaining $112.6 million over five years under the NBA’s stretch provision.

Turner, who averaged 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and two blocks per game last year with the Pacers, brings both shot-blocking and floor-spacing to Milwaukee. The deal includes a player option in the final season, offering flexibility to both parties. 

Meanwhile, Portland’s loss of its franchise guard marks a major salary-cap shift for the Bucks, positioning Turner as a focal point for their postseason core.

Waiving Lillard, who is recovering from a ruptured Achilles, frees up immediate cap space and salary flexibility.

ANALYSIS: Milwaukee has started retooling once again around their superstar, and adding Turner enhances interior defense and shooting. This is an ideal complement to Antetokounmpo’s skill set. For Lillard’s future, now being a free agent amidst recovery, he will receive his full salary over five years, but remains searchable by contenders once healthy.

The Bucks have clearly recalibrated, reshaping their roster with swift and bold moves. While laying groundwork for continued contention, these decisions also signal a high-stakes gamble on internal cohesion and strategic direction moving forward.