
Milwaukee Bucks Release Damian Lillard Following Myles Turner Signing
The Bucks have waived Damian Lillard after securing Myles Turner in a significant deal, altering the team's lineup ahead of the upcoming season.
Myles Turner has signed a four-year contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, leading to the waiving of nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard. A source familiar with the situation informed The Associated Press about the developments on Tuesday.
Turner’s contract features a player option and follows ten seasons with the Indiana Pacers, who recently made it to the NBA Finals. The remaining $112.6 million owed to Lillard will be disbursed over the next five years using the NBA’s stretch provision, according to the source who requested anonymity due to the private nature of the transactions.
ESPN initially broke the news regarding the Pacers and Bucks agreement, reporting that Turner’s contract is valued at $107 million.
Injuries played a significant role in these unexpected decisions. Indiana anticipates being without star guard Tyrese Haliburton for the entire upcoming season following an Achilles tendon rupture suffered during the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Lillard also sustained an Achilles injury while playing for Milwaukee in the playoffs. His absence could extend throughout the next season, but he will be free to negotiate with any team.
Lillard, at 35, has an impressive average of 25.1 points and 6.7 assists over his 13 seasons in the league, playing his first 11 years with Portland and the last two with Milwaukee. The Bucks had just lost Brook Lopez to the Los Angeles Clippers when free agency began.