### Milwaukee Bucks Shake Up Roster: Waiving Damian Lillard to Sign Myles Turner The Milwaukee Bucks have made significant changes to their roster by waiving star guard Damian Lillard and securing a $6.1 million buyout with Vasilije Micic. This strategic move was aimed at creating cap space to finalize a four-year, $107 million contract with center Myles Turner, formerly of the Indiana Pacers. Lillard's departure, while shocking to fans, was anticipated as the Bucks sought to reshape their team dynamics and financial structure following a disappointing playoff run. Lillard, a nine-time All-Star, is currently recovering from a torn Achilles and is expected to miss a substantial portion of the upcoming season, which has influenced the Bucks' decision to move on from him [https://clutchpoints.com/nba/milwaukee-bucks/bucks-news-6-1-million-buyout-damian-lillard-waiver-clear-way-myles-turner][https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/bucks_officially_waive_damian_lillard_vasilije_micic_amid_roster_reshuffle/s1_17038_42426645]. ### Breakdown of the Bucks' Recent Moves 1. **Waiving of Damian Lillard**: - The Bucks officially waived Lillard, who had a remaining salary of $112.6 million, which will now be stretched over five seasons, creating immediate financial relief for the team [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/bucks_officially_waive_damian_lillard_vasilije_micic_amid_roster_reshuffle/s1_17038_42426645]. 2. **Signing Myles Turner**: - Myles Turner has agreed to a four-year deal worth $107 million, aimed at bolstering the Bucks' frontcourt and providing a new dynamic alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo [https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/01/myles-turner-milwaukee-bucks-nba-free-agency]. 3. **Financial Implications**: - The decision to waive Lillard has resulted in approximately $25 million in dead cap space for the Bucks over the next few years, a necessary sacrifice to improve the team's competitive edge [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/five_most_impactful_moves_of_the_nba_offseason_so_far/s1_13132_42425819]. 4. **Future Prospects for Lillard**: - Lillard is now an unrestricted free agent and has drawn interest from several teams, including the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics, as he navigates his recovery from injury [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/warriors_among_those_with_interest_in_damian_lillard/s1_17038_42422876][https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2025/07/05/celtics-damian-lillard-nba-free-agency-rumors]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Damian Lillard's Performance**: - In the previous season, Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists over 58 games, showcasing his high-level performance despite his injury [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/damian_lillard_celtics_have_mutual_interest/s1_17038_42410676]. - **Myles Turner's Impact**: - Turner is expected to significantly enhance the Bucks' defensive and offensive capabilities, having recently played in the NBA Finals and proven his worth as a top-tier center [https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/article/turner-agrees-to-join-bucks-who-will-waive-20402736.php]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Bucks In summary, the Milwaukee Bucks' decision to waive Damian Lillard and sign Myles Turner marks a pivotal moment in their franchise's trajectory. 1. **Roster Reshaping**: The Bucks are actively reshaping their roster to better align with their championship aspirations, particularly around Giannis Antetokounmpo. 2. **Financial Strategy**: The financial implications of waiving Lillard, while significant, are seen as a necessary step to improve the team's competitiveness in the long run. 3. **Future for Lillard**: As Lillard enters free agency, his next move will be closely watched, with several teams vying for his services despite his injury concerns. The Bucks' bold moves reflect their commitment to contending for a title while navigating the complexities of player contracts and injuries [https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/nba/milwaukee-bucks/news/shocking-reason-bucks-waived-damian-lillard/288362577b72a28fb0dd390a].