In a stunning move that signals a dramatic retooling around Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks are waiving nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard and acquiring Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, league sources told ESPN's insider Shams Charania.
Lillard, who spent two seasons in Milwaukee, will be waived by the Bucks, allowing them to spread out the remaining $113 million on his contract. The decision comes as the 34-year-old guard continues his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, which required surgery in May. Lillard is not expected to play for most, if not all, of the 2025–26 season.
Just in: The Milwaukee Bucks are waiving Damian Lillard and stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract in order to acquire Myles Turner, sources tell ESPN. Lillard's two seasons in Milwaukee come to an end as he rehabilitates a torn Achilles tendon. pic.twitter.com/eg1D1TMFM6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
Though his tenure in Milwaukee was short-lived, Lillard was highly effective when healthy. This past season, he ranked 10th in the league in both scoring (24.9 points per game) and assists (7.1), shooting an efficient 45% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc.
Milwaukee had a 48-34 record in the 2024-25 regular season, losing to the Pacers in the first round, 1-4.
The Bucks’ bold decision clears the way for the arrival of Turner, one of the league’s premier defensive anchors and the longest-tenured Pacer before agreeing to a four-year, $107 million deal with Milwaukee. The contract includes a player option in 2028–29 and a 15% trade kicker.
"The Bucks found a creative path to waive and stretch Lillard – whose $113M will be stretched over the next five seasons – while leaving their future draft assets untouched. In a stunning turn of events, Myles Turner departs the Pacers to join the Bucks," Charania noted.
Turner, 29, adds rim protection and floor spacing to a Bucks team that lost defensive stalwart Brook Lopez to the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this offseason. He averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game last season while shooting a career-best 39.6% from three-point range. He also set a franchise record with 46 blocks during the Pacers’ postseason run to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Bucks’ front office has made it clear this offseason: the franchise is committed to building better around Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee has already re-signed Bobby Portis, and brought in Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Kevin Porter Jr. to fortify its wing and backcourt depth.
They also signed a two-year deal with free agent forward Gary Harris. According to Charania, it was a two-year deal with a player option on the second season. "Bucks continue to fortify the roster with a veteran wing who played key rotation roles for playoff teams in Denver and Orlando," Charania noted.
Free agent forward Gary Harris has agreed to a two-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, with a player option on the second season, sources tell ESPN. Bucks continue to fortify the roster with a veteran wing who played key rotation roles for playoff teams in Denver and Orlando. pic.twitter.com/q5OLpDfEqo
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
While Lillard’s Milwaukee chapter ends earlier than expected—due largely to injury—the move underscores the Bucks' urgency to keep their championship window open with Giannis still in his prime. Turner, with his two-way upside and playoff experience, gives the team a modern big who can fill Lopez’s shoes while helping the Bucks remain a defensive force.
Lillard, who turned heads with his initial trade from Portland just two offseasons ago, now faces the uncertainty of rehab and free agency.
[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]
