The Bucks are doing what they can to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo from wanting to leave — and that includes kicking a former prized trade acquisition to the curb.
Milwaukee is signing former Pacers center Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million contract that includes a player option and full 15 percent trade kicker, according to ESPN.
The franchise is waiving injured guard Damian Lillard — sidelined with a torn Achilles tendon — and stretching his contract over the next five seasons to make the contract work, per the outlet.
However, in a twist, the Bucks’ franchise player is not pleased with the team moving on from Lillard, per Chris Haynes.
This transaction is perhaps the wildest since NBA free agency opened Monday.
Turner, 29, just completed his 10th NBA season, all with the Pacers, and reportedly wanted to return to the only franchise he’s known after the run to Game 7 of the Finals.
His reps let Indiana know his feelings with his two-year, $40.9 million deal expiring, per ESPN, but the Pacers had some reservations regarding the luxury tax, especially with star guard Tyrese Haliburton potentially missing the entire 2025-26 season after tearing his Achilles in Game 7.
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In swooped Milwaukee, which is dealing with trade rumors regarding Antetokounmpo.
There have been rumblings about whether Antetokounmpo would want to stay in Milwaukee after a third straight first-round exit and with concerns about the team’s future, especially with Lillard sidelined.
Milwaukee got creative, though, by moving on from Lillard.
The Bucks acquired Lillard before the 2023-24 season but the team won zero playoff series while teaming him with Antetokounmpo.
Lillard, who turns 35 this month, had two years and roughly $122.6 million left on his deal.
If this deal truly angers Antetokounmpo, it could create a messy problem for the franchise.
In landing Turner, the Bucks are acquiring a big man who has improved as he has grown older.
His best season came in 2023 when he averaged 18 points per game on top of 7.5 rebounds per game, while he tallied 15.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season.
He led the entire NBA in blocks in the 2019 and 2021 seasons.