Milwaukee Bucks Sign Myles Turner $107M Deal Waiving Damian Lillard Contract

Myles Turner, after a decade with the Indiana Pacers and a recent NBA Finals appearance, signed a four-year, $107 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, marking a significant roster change for both teams. The Bucks facilitated this move by parting ways with Damian Lillard, agreeing to pay out the remaining $113 million of Lillard's contract over the next five years, enabling them to strengthen their frontcourt alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo amid uncertainty about his future. Turner's contract value was influenced notably by Minnesota’s signing of Naz Reid to a lucrative deal, which set a market precedent that complicated Pacers' negotiations. The Pacers' offer to Turner reportedly ranged between $95 million and $80 million over four years, reflecting financial caution and ultimately leading to Turner’s departure. This shift leaves the Pacers over the salary cap and in need of a new center, potentially utilizing their mid-level exception to acquire talent such as DeAndre Ayton, while focusing on roster adjustments around their core and awaiting Tyrese Haliburton's recovery from injury. The Bucks' acquisition of Turner is seen as a strategic move to maintain competitiveness in the Eastern Conference and to keep their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo satisfied.