The Milwaukee Bucks have always taken big swings, but this might be one of their boldest yet. Not only are the Bucks signing Myles Turner away, which was stunning enough, but they are also waiving and stretching Damian Lillard's contract to make room for the move. In a stunning turn of events, the Bucks lock up their center of the future and create complexity at the point guard spot.
Bucks' insane move is tough to stomach, but makes sense
Milwaukee absolutely needed a center this summer after letting Brook Lopez walk. Many thought the team would go after Deandre Ayton with the midlevel, and that would have been fine. However, there were certainly other feelings in Milwaukee's front office. Turner and the Indiana Pacers couldn't come to a deal, and the Bucks pounced.
Per reports, it is a four-year deal worth $107 million, with the final year serving as a player option.
Between Myles Turner and Bobby Portis, the Milwaukee Bucks have fortified their center rotation with a pair of strong signings. Now, questions move to the backcourt.
It's no secret that Damian Lillard was set to miss most, if not all, of next season due to his Achilles injury suffered in the NBA Playoffs. While the Milwaukee Bucks could have stayed put and waited for the guard to get back to full health, there was never any guarantee he'd be the same player. They felt like they couldn't risk it with Giannis Antetokounmpo in town and wanting to win.
With Lillard out, Milwaukee must now beef up the backcourt. Kevin Porter Jr. inked a new deal to open free agency, but behind him, there is no depth. Milwaukee should certainly bring back Ryan Rollins, but those two cannot be alone. It wouldn't be surprising if they made a run at a household veteran to beef up the rotation, including Malcolm Brogdon or even Russell Westbrook. Perhaps they look to add youth to go with someone like Tre Mann. Either way, they need help.
What an offseason it's been for the Milwaukee Bucks already. It will take a while for the Turner signing to actually set in. He's a player fans have said could be a perfect Brook Lopez replacement for many years now, but it always seemed too far-fetched. Well, not any longer. This will certainly add another layer to the fiery rivalry between Milwaukee and Indiana.
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