"Coming off a 48-win season, the Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated in the first round for the third-straight season, losing in five games to the Indiana Pacers. As a result, questions about Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the organization flooded headlines. He never formally requested a trade, and the Bucks were reportedly not willing to trade him. But when you're desperate to keep your superstar, you make desperate decisions."
"The Bucks shockingly poached Myles Turner away from the Indiana Pacers, but it came at the expense of waiving and stretching Damian Lillard, who will miss the 2025-26 season with a torn Achilles. Lillard will be on their books for north of $22 million over the next five seasons - yes, FIVE seasons. When you're trying to compete for a championship, having ~$22 million in dead money year after year is terrible process. Every dollar matters."
"In total, the Bucks will be paying Turner and Lillard $47.4 million in 2025-26, $48.6 million in '26-27, $49.9 million in '27-28 and $51.1 million in '28-29. Yikes! Milwaukee did a good job adding Cole Anthony and Gary Harris at an inexpensive price while retaining Trent, Prince, Livingston and Portis. But the risk of adding Turner - a very good Lopez replacement who's continued to improve multiple areas of his game -"
Milwaukee finished with 48 wins and suffered a third consecutive first-round playoff exit, losing to the Indiana Pacers in five games. The team aggressively reshaped the roster to protect Giannis Antetokounmpo, acquiring Myles Turner while waiving and stretching Damian Lillard, who will miss 2025-26 with a torn Achilles. Lillard's stretched deal creates roughly $22 million in dead money annually over five seasons, increasing payroll obligations and limiting flexibility. The Bucks added Cole Anthony and Gary Harris cheaply and re-signed several role players, but the Turner acquisition and Lillard liability elevate financial and competitive risk.
Read at Hot Hot Hoops - Miami HEAT NBA Blog
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