Shortly after letting Brook Lopez walk out the door, the Milwaukee Bucks surprised the NBA world by waiving and stretching Damian Lillard's contract to sign Myles Turner. It was one of the boldest moves made by anyone this decade. In the moment, many thought it would be worth it, but the move is aging like milk, especially with Lopez playing significantly better than his replacement lately.
Lopez is still contributing; Turner is not
After a quiet couple of seasons, it appeared Father Time had caught up to Lopez. He is in his late 30s, after all. However, for whatever reason, he looks rejuvenated early this season, playing a major role in the LA Clippers' rotation, especially lately. Over his last four matchups, Lopez is averaging 18.5 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 60 percent, providing a massive spark despite nearing 39 years old.
How has Turner looked? Well, during his last four games, he's averaged five points while shooting just 22.6 percent from the floor. To his credit, he's hauling in 6.8 rebounds per matchup, but that doesn't make up for just how poor his scoring production has been. Turner, who is about eight years younger than Lopez, hasn't been able to throw a rock in the ocean.
The financials make it tough to stomach for the Milwaukee Bucks. Lopez is on an expiring $9.2 million deal this season. Meanwhile, Turner is in just the second year of a four-year deal worth $108.9 million, and that goes without mentioning the $113 million they took on when they cut Lillard. Any team would rather be in LA's position right now with how well Lopez is playing. Ouch.
Lopez was a consistent part of Bucks' success
The Milwaukee Bucks did what they thought was right. With Giannis Antetokounmpo seemingly not sure about his future with the franchise, the team tried pulling a rabbit out of a hat to try to appease him. It worked for a season. There's no telling if he would have stayed had the Bucks kept Lopez on the payroll, but he was always far more reliable than Turner has been. That much is crystal clear.
For all of the negative press he got for being slow-footed and taking some ill-timed shots, Lopez never had a season as poor as Turner is having. He certainly wasn't as expensive either. Turner was supposed to make the Milwaukee Bucks forget about their former man in the middle; instead, all he's done is make them reminisce about his Bucks tenure.
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