Damian Lillard has been unilaterally released by the "Milwaukee Bucks" in one of the most significant roster moves of the NBA offseason. The star guard's departure comes with a massive financial commitment from the Bucks, who will pay him $113 million spread over the next five years through 2030.
The "Bucks" wasted no time filling the gap, immediately signing former "Indiana Pacers" center Miles Turner to a four-year, $107 million contract. Turner will replace the aging Brook Lopez, giving Milwaukee a younger option in the frontcourt.
"This isn't a common practice in the NBA," NBA insider Shams Charania reported when breaking the news about Lillard's contract termination.
Turner, who averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game last season while shooting 48.1% from the field and an impressive 39.6% from three-point range, spent all ten years of his professional career with the "Pacers" before this move.
Interestingly, this domino effect might not have happened if not for Tyrese Haliburton's devastating Achilles tendon injury during the NBA Finals. The "Pacers" leader will miss the entire next season, which apparently changed Indiana's plans regarding Turner's contract extension.
For the "Bucks," this represents an all-or-nothing gamble. They've essentially abandoned the Lillard experiment after trading three first-round picks to "Portland" for him, and are now pairing Giannis Antetokounmpo with Turner in what could theoretically form one of the league's best defensive duos.
But here's the risk – Milwaukee loses Lillard's scoring punch (24.9 points per game last season) without a clear replacement at guard. It's a short-term solution that prioritizes keeping Giannis happy rather than rebuilding for the future.
As for Lillard? This could actually be a blessing in disguise. He originally wanted to join "Miami," not Milwaukee, when leaving Portland. Now, after recovering from his own Achilles injury and sitting out next season, he'll be a free agent able to choose his next destination while still collecting checks from the "Bucks."
Will Milwaukee's high-stakes gamble pay off with another championship? Or have they mortgaged their future only to fall short again? The 2024-25 season can't come soon enough.
