In a blockbuster offseason decision that has set the NBA world abuzz, the Milwaukee Bucks made the unprecedented move of waiving All-Star guard Damian Lillard and quickly pivoting to sign center Myles Turner. This bold shift has enormous implications for the team and the league as a whole. The Bucks waiving Damian Lillard not only altered their roster makeup but signaled a win-now urgency that might either pay off spectacularly—or lead to a costly rebuild.
Let’s dive deep into who came out as winners and losers from this seismic transaction.
Winner: Milwaukee Bucks (Short-Term Outlook)
The Bucks waiving Damian Lillard opened up unexpected cap flexibility. They used that room to sign Myles Turner to a four-year, $104 million contract. While Lillard was sidelined with a torn Achilles and expected to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season, Turner brings youth, health, and two-way capability.
Turner is one of the league’s best rim protectors and floor-spacing bigs. His style mirrors Brook Lopez, but at 28, Turner is a younger, more agile version with upside. Last postseason, he outperformed Lopez in a head-to-head playoff matchup, forcing Doc Rivers to start Bobby Portis.
Milwaukee’s current rotation includes Kevin Porter Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. in the backcourt, Kuzma and Prince on the wings, with Giannis and Turner anchoring the frontcourt. The team retains several core role players and could still make another move using their lone first-round pick.
This updated Bucks lineup looks like a playoff contender on paper. With Giannis healthy and Turner stepping in as a strong two-way anchor, Milwaukee’s short-term playoff chances have improved.
The Bucks waiving Damian Lillard also resets expectations. With younger legs around Giannis and more balanced depth across positions, fans can expect more fluid offense and tighter defense. While there’s still a question about perimeter shot creation, this team is better suited for postseason battles.
Loser: Milwaukee Bucks (Long-Term Outlook)
Despite the strategic benefits now, the Bucks waiving Damian Lillard also created long-term consequences. Milwaukee will carry $22.5 million in dead cap space annually for the next five years due to Lillard’s waived-and-stretched $112.6 million contract. That’s the largest such hit in NBA history.
The Bucks also lack control over their first-round draft picks until 2031. This financial burden, paired with no incoming young assets, could be catastrophic if the team fails to win now. Should Giannis eventually leave or slow down, the Bucks may find themselves in a deep rebuild with limited flexibility.
This is a high-risk gamble. Milwaukee bet everything on the present. Only time will tell if it was worth it.
While fans celebrate the current upgrades, front office strategists know that the Bucks waiving Damian Lillard adds enormous pressure on the next two seasons. If they don’t at least reach the NBA Finals, this move could be viewed as a massive misfire.
Winner: Myles Turner
Turner, long undervalued in Indiana, finally got the contract he deserved. His $104 million deal pays him over $25 million per year, a fair market value for a top-tier modern NBA center.
Turner leaves behind ten seasons with the Pacers, including the franchise’s deepest NBA playoff run that reached Game 7 of the Finals. Though he wanted to remain in Indiana, the Pacers’ ownership refused to enter the luxury tax, opening the door for Milwaukee to swoop in.
In Turner, the Bucks gain a player who is battle-tested, hungry, and motivated to win a title. Turner gains a shot at competing for a championship in a big market. It’s a win on both sides.
With the Bucks waiving Damian Lillard, Turner instantly becomes a centerpiece of Milwaukee’s new identity. His defensive presence, pick-and-pop game, and leadership offer the Bucks exactly what they need heading into a competitive Eastern Conference.
Winner: Damian Lillard
Ironically, the Bucks waiving Damian Lillard might be the best thing to happen to him this year. According to sources, Lillard was unhappy during his stint in Milwaukee, citing frustration with limited success and time away from family.
Now a free agent, Lillard can choose his next destination freely. No trade limitations, no contract entanglements. League insiders say he is thrilled to enter what could be the most player-friendly free agency situation ever for a former All-NBA player.
Teams like Miami and Portland have been mentioned, but Lillard is expected to take his time. Without financial pressure, he can prioritize fit, culture, and competitiveness.
More importantly, the Bucks waiving Damian Lillard restores the control he’s lacked over the past few seasons. Expect him to explore championship-caliber teams before making a final decision.
Loser: Indiana Pacers Fans
Pacers fans are among the biggest losers in this entire ordeal. Myles Turner was not only one of the most beloved players in recent memory but also part of a magical playoff run that energized the entire state of Indiana.
Unfortunately, Pacers management’s unwillingness to enter the luxury tax cost them a foundational player. With Tyrese Haliburton now sidelined for the season, the team’s momentum has stalled.
Yet, there’s hope. The playoff memories are still fresh, and with good draft strategy and Haliburton’s return, the Pacers can re-enter contention within two seasons. But the heartbreak remains.
In the wake of the Bucks waiving Damian Lillard and acquiring Turner, Indiana’s front office now faces scrutiny. Their decision may ultimately haunt them if Turner thrives and the Pacers regress.
The Bigger Picture: Bucks Betting Everything
The Bucks waiving Damian Lillard isn’t just a transaction—it’s a philosophy. Milwaukee is all-in on Giannis, all-in on the next 1–2 years, and all-in on trying to win another title before the window closes.
Whether or not this decision pays off will depend on several unpredictable factors: Turner’s fit, Giannis’s health, and Lillard’s next move. But no one can deny the boldness of the decision.
This is Milwaukee’s “chips to the center of the table” moment. And with the Bucks waiving Damian Lillard to double down on defensive dominance, they’ve shown the league their intentions loud and clear.
Conclusion: Risk vs. Reward
In the end, the Bucks waiving Damian Lillard and signing Myles Turner will define their franchise’s future—for better or worse. In Turner, they found a younger, reliable centerpiece. In waiving Lillard, they freed themselves from a financial and injury burden, but inherited a long-term cap penalty.
Still, contenders have to take risks. And in 2025, the Bucks just made the biggest gamble in recent NBA history.
For fans, players, and league analysts alike, all eyes are now on Milwaukee. As the dust settles, one truth remains: the Bucks waiving Damian Lillard will be talked about for years to come.
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- Read more NBA offseason stories: NBA Official Site
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