Myles Turner signs with Bucks for $107 million, Milwaukee waives Damian Lillard

It’s one of the most surprising signings of this NBA free agency. Myles Turner leaves the Indiana Pacers after ten seasons to join the Milwaukee Bucks, signing a four-year contract worth $107 million. The deal includes a player option for the final year in 2028-2029 and a 15% trade kicker.

BREAKING: Free agent center Myles Turner has agreed to a four-year, $107 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, plus a player option for year four in 2028-29 and a full 15% trade kicker, sources tell ESPN. Stunner. pic.twitter.com/MlDkZusVOv

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025

A radical decision to sign Turner

To free up the necessary cap space for this signing, the Bucks made a dramatic decision by waiving Damian Lillard’s contract. The 34-year-old All-Star guard, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in Game 4 of the series against Indiana, was still owed $113 million through 2027. Milwaukee will pay this amount spread over the next five years.

Turner (6’11 », 29) brings an ideal profile to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo. Capable of protecting the rim with 2.0 blocks per game last season, he can also stretch the floor with 39.6% shooting from 3-point range on 5.2 attempts per game. His regular season stats showed averages of 15.6 points and 6.5 rebounds.

The center replaces Brook Lopez, who left for the Los Angeles Clippers, and strengthens a Bucks team that was eliminated in the first round by these same Pacers. Turner had somewhat disappointed during the NBA Finals against Oklahoma City, averaging only 10.6 points and 4.4 rebounds with declining percentages.

Milwaukee bets everything on Antetokounmpo

This signing is part of Milwaukee’s broader strategy to convince Giannis Antetokounmpo to stay. The franchise has also extended Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr., with the latter expected to take Lillard’s place at point guard.

According to sources, the Pacers wanted to keep Turner but wouldn’t match the Bucks’ offer to avoid exceeding the salary cap. Tyrese Haliburton’s recent injury has also changed Indiana’s plans, as they no longer intend to invest heavily in keeping their group intact.

This move allows the Bucks to acquire a key player from a team that eliminated them, while giving Turner an ideal partner in Antetokounmpo. In an Eastern Conference weakened by injuries to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, Milwaukee repositions itself as a serious title contender.