ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst believes the Milwaukee Bucks are using Myles Turner as a hedge, with the possibility of them flipping the center for valuable assets.
In what is a ridiculous suggestion, Windhorst spoke on The Hoop Collective, calling the move "an elaborate hedge with what Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to do."
Following the waiving and stretching of Damian Lillard's contract, the analyst believes that this move to sign Turner was the Bucks' way of showing that they will do whatever it takes to keep Giannis happy. If Giannis were to leave or things didn't work out, Turner would then be flipped.
Myles Turner is perfect for the Bucks now and for the future
The theory has not even popped up in the mind of any Bucks fan, and is another unusual comment made about Milwaukee and their offseason moves. Windhorst continues to say that Jon Horst is going on record saying "We are doing everything to keep Giannis happy" as a message to make Giannis feel that way. The whole segment feels very bizarre, leaving you scratching your head and raising your eyebrows.
Turner is a brilliant addition for the Bucks. He can stretch the floor, defend both interior and perimeter, and is still in his prime right now. Alongside Giannis, there is perhaps no better center to pair with him in the frontcourt.
In the playoff defeat to the Indiana Pacers, Brook Lopez was completely outclassed by Turner, and it resulted in Doc Rivers benching the veteran. Milwaukee needed to get younger and more athletic; they have done exactly that.
Lillard being waived and having his contract stretched is still a bold move, but the Bucks would have had very little flexibility to make any moves this offseason. It opened the door to add the best center on the market that fits the perfect mold of what a big man alongside Giannis should be. Last season, Turner averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and two blocks per game on strong shooting splits of .481/.396/.773.
There is upside to moving on from Lillard. It allows Giannis to play the point forward, potentially, and again, Turner would complement that well with his ability to stretch the floor. Milwaukee isn't a perfect roster, but they are in a much better position than they would be had Lillard missed the entire season.
Is there a chance that Turner gets flipped down the line? Potentially. This deal would have had plenty of thought behind it from the front office, and it's a move that fits the Bucks' needs for the present and the future. It is bizarre that Windhorst thinks this deal would be a hedge, but this is not the first time that media members have been overly negative about the Bucks.