The Milwaukee Bucks made a groundbreaking decision on Tuesday to waive Damian Lillard, who had two years and $112.6 million left on his contract. Utilizing the stretch provision, they will pay Lillard over the next five years, allowing him to become a free agent soon after recovering from an Achilles injury.

In a related move, the Bucks are set to sign Myles Turner to a four-year deal worth $107 million, replacing Brook Lopez, who recently agreed to join the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year contract.

Understanding the Stretch Provision

The stretch provision is utilized by teams to alleviate salary cap pressures, allowing them to pay a waived player over a longer period. The Bucks had owed Lillard over $54 million for the following season - now, they will pay him $22.5 million annually through the 2029-30 season.

Unprecedented Move in the NBA

This transaction is unprecedented, as it represents the largest waive-and-stretch operation in NBA history. Previously, a similar situation involved the Charlotte Hornets using the stretch option on Nicolas Batum, but the sum involved here sets a new standard.

Next Steps for Lillard

While Lillard may not play next season, he can sign with another team this summer. He initially wished to be traded to the Miami Heat, who are now in a rebuilding phase.

Bucks’ Reasoning Behind The Moves

Addressing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future commitment, these transactions were designed to reassure him of the team’s competitive trajectory next season. The Bucks received significant flexibility, allowing them to pursue one of the top free agents.

However, the moves come with risks. Milwaukee may struggle to form a championship-worthy team, especially considering Antetokounmpo’s potential future decisions regarding his career.

The implications of these moves are far-reaching and will certainly shape the Bucks’ direction henceforth.