A seismic shift rocked the NBA free agency landscape today, as reports confirm center Myles turner has agreed to a massive four-year, $107 million contract with the Milwaukee bucks. This pivotal signing secures one of the 2025 free agency period’s top big men. The move necessitated a significant roster change for Milwaukee, reportedly involving waiving nine-time All-Star Damian lillard to create the necessary salary cap flexibility. This transaction reshapes the Eastern Conference playoff picture and signals the Bucks’ aggressive approach to building around superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee Lands Elite Two-Way Center
The Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly landed their primary target in the opening hours of 2025 free agency: Myles Turner. ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the agreement. Turner’s new deal is valued at $107 million over four years. It includes a player option in the final year (2028-29). The contract also features a 15% trade kicker, adding complexity to potential future trades. This signing addresses the center position for Milwaukee. It follows reports of Brook Lopez departing for the LA Clippers.
Turner’s Fit Alongside Giannis
Turner’s arrival provides a modern, versatile piece for the Bucks’ frontcourt. He is an elite rim protector. He is also a dangerous perimeter shooter for a center. Last season with Indiana, Turner averaged 15.6 points and 2.0 blocks per game. His ability to stretch the floor complements Giannis Antetokounmpo perfectly. Antetokounmpo thrives attacking the basket. A shooting threat like Turner pulls opposing big men away from the paint. This opens driving lanes for Milwaukee’s primary playmaker. Defensively, Turner forms a formidable shot-blocking duo or successor. He adds critical interior defense. Opponents shot significantly worse at the rim when Turner was the primary defender last season. His defensive impact was crucial to Indiana’s success.
The Financial Maneuvers: Waiving Damian Lillard
Securing Turner’s services came at a steep price beyond his salary. Multiple reports indicate the Bucks are waiving All-Star guard Damian Lillard. This move frees up significant cap space. Lillard is reportedly expected to miss most or all of the upcoming season. He suffered an Achilles injury in the recent playoffs. Waiving Lillard allows the Bucks to stretch his remaining $113 million salary. This spreads the cap hit over five seasons. It’s a drastic measure. It highlights the team’s commitment to acquiring Turner. It also reflects the unfortunate timing of Lillard’s injury.
Impact of Lillard’s Departure
Damian Lillard joined the Bucks in a major 2023 trade. He played two seasons in Milwaukee. His departure shifts the team’s backcourt dynamic entirely. Lillard is now a free agent. He can sign with any team. However, his Achilles injury complicates his immediate future. Teams signing him would be betting on his recovery for the 2026-27 season. Reports from NBA insider Chris Haynes suggest Giannis Antetokounmpo was reportedly displeased with the decision to waive Lillard. This adds another layer to the offseason drama in Milwaukee.
Turner’s Tenure in Indiana Concludes
Myles Turner has spent his entire 10-season NBA career with the Indiana Pacers. He is the franchise’s all-time leading shot blocker. He was an integral part of the Pacers’ run to the NBA Finals last season. He averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.0 blocks. Turner reportedly wanted to remain in Indiana. However, contract talks stalled. According to Jake Fischer, the Pacers’ offers did not substantially exceed the three-year, $60 million range.
Pacers’ Financial Crossroads
Indiana faced a difficult decision this summer. They weighed retaining Turner against potential luxury tax penalties. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton is expected to miss the 2025-26 season. He suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in the Finals. This injury complicated Indiana’s willingness to commit to a large luxury tax bill. Especially with Haliburton sidelined. The Pacers had already committed significant money to their core. Ultimately, the financial gap with Milwaukee’s offer proved too large to bridge.
A Proven Two-Way Force Joins Milwaukee
Turner has developed into one of the NBA’s premier two-way centers. He provides elite rim protection. Opponents shot just 57.7% at the basket when Turner was the primary defender last season. When Turner was on the court, opponents shot 4.5% worse at the rim overall. This defensive anchor effect fueled Indiana’s top-eight defensive efficiency. Offensively, Turner has expanded his game. He hit a career-high 39.6% of his three-point attempts last season. He averaged 5.5 attempts per game. This floor-stretching ability makes him a modern big man prototype. He was one of only four players last season with at least 100 blocks, 100 three-pointers, and 50 steals.
Building Blocks and Playoff Pushes
Turner remained a constant through the Pacers’ recent rebuild. He was rumored in trades often. However, he stayed put as Kevin Pritchard reshaped the roster. The trade sending Domantas Sabonis for Tyrese Haliburton was key. That move set the stage for the core built around Haliburton, Turner, and Pascal Siakam. This core surprised many by reaching the NBA Finals. Turner demonstrated toughness in that Finals run. He was a critical piece against opponents like Chet Holmgren. Tyrese Haliburton praised Turner’s value. He noted Turner “unlocks a lot of what I do.”
Implications for the Bucks and Pacers
For the Bucks, this signing signals a clear win-now mentality. They address a key position weakness. They pair Giannis with a complementary big man. The high cost, including waiving Lillard, shows their urgency. For the Pacers, losing Turner is a blow. It disrupts the core that reached the Finals. It also eases their luxury tax concerns significantly. They must now pivot to find a new starting center. Both franchises enter the next season with dramatically altered rosters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key terms of Myles Turner’s contract with the Bucks?
Myles Turner has reportedly agreed to a four-year contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. The total value of the deal is $107 million. Key terms include a player option for the final year (2028-29). The contract also contains a 15% trade kicker. This means if Turner is traded, he receives an additional 15% of his remaining salary from the team trading him.
Why did the Milwaukee Bucks waive Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner?
The Milwaukee Bucks reportedly waived Damian Lillard primarily to create the necessary salary cap space to sign Myles Turner. Lillard is expected to miss most or all of the upcoming 2025-26 season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in the playoffs. Waiving him allows the Bucks to utilize the NBA’s stretch provision, spreading his remaining $113 million salary cap hit over the next five seasons. This financial maneuver provided the flexibility needed for Turner’s four-year, $107 million deal.
How does Myles Turner’s skillset fit with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks?
Myles Turner is an ideal modern center to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Turner is an elite shot-blocker and interior defender, providing crucial rim protection. His ability to shoot the three-pointer effectively (nearly 40% last season) is key offensively. It stretches the floor, pulling opposing big men away from the paint. This creates more driving lanes and space for Antetokounmpo to operate. His two-way versatility addresses key needs for the Bucks’ roster.
Looking Ahead
The arrival of Myles Turner in Milwaukee is one of the most significant moves of the 2025 free agency period. It ends Turner’s long tenure in Indiana. It drastically changes the Bucks’ roster composition. The price paid, particularly the decision regarding Damian Lillard, underscores the high stakes involved. As teams finalize their rosters, the impact of this transaction will resonate throughout the league. The Bucks aim to leverage Turner’s unique two-way capabilities to pursue their championship aspirations alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
