Bucks Waive Damian Lillard, Stretch $113M Deal to Land Myles Turner in Surprise Cap Move

The Damian Lillard era in Milwaukee is over—just two seasons after it began.

The Bucks have officially waived Lillard and will stretch the remaining $113 million on his contract, creating cap flexibility to acquire center Myles Turner in a bold front-office shift. This move comes as Lillard recovers from a torn Achilles tendon, an injury that typically requires 4 to 6 months of rehab, according to a 2018 Journal of Orthopaedic Research study. That timeline could affect his ability to return to top form in the 2025-26 season.

Lillard was acquired in a blockbuster trade in September 2023 but struggled with consistency and injuries during his brief stint in Milwaukee. The decision to stretch his contract reflects a growing trend in the NBA since the 2011 CBA: using multi-year spread payments to manage the salary cap.

The Bucks are turning their attention to Myles Turner, who arrives on a $107 million contract that includes a player option and trade kicker. Known for his elite rim protection—leading the league in blocks in 2018-19 and again in 2020-21—Turner brings defensive presence but remains a questionable fit on the boards, with a career rebounding average of just 6.7 per game.

As Milwaukee resets its roster, the gamble on Turner signals a desire to stay competitive while managing long-term flexibility—a clear sign that the NBA’s business side is evolving as fast as the game itself.

Event Details:

Damian Lillard Waived by Milwaukee Bucks

Contract: $113M stretched over multiple years

Injury: Torn Achilles tendon (rehab: 4–6 months)

Myles Turner Acquired: $107M deal with player option & trade kicker

Notable Stats: 2x NBA Blocks Leader (2018-19, 2020-21), 6.7 RPG career average

Context: Strategic salary cap move following 2023 trade acquisition