The Milwaukee Bucks absolutely stole Myles Turner from the rival Pacers because Giannis Antetokounmpo was pressuring the organization to build a title contender around him. They waived-and-stretched Damian Lillard to create the cap space to make this happen. It was the boldest move of the offseason, but the Bucks can’t lose the Greek Freak.
The Pacers were lowballing Turner as there was no serious threat to steal his services until Milwaukee made the move nobody saw coming. The Bucks needed a Brook Lopez replacement and may have instantly created an elite defensive frontcourt, even with Turner's decline on that end of the floor.
Fans were excited to see Milwaukee weaken their rival, and they have Giannis to thank. This bold move creates problems and could blow up on the franchise, but something had to be done to keep Giannis happy. The Bucks are light on draft capital, and Turner was one of the best free agents available.
The Bucks absolutely stole Myles Turner from the Pacers
Indiana was coming off a run to the NBA Finals and planned to spend into the luxury tax to keep Myles Turner. Things changed when Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles tendon in Game 7. The Pacers were suddenly staring at a gap year without their best player and had to reconsider going into the luxury tax to keep Turner. They may have done it if Milwaukee didn’t step up, but fans will never know.
It is fair to question if adding Turner was enough. The Bucks were in a tough spot after Damian Lillard tore his Achilles tendon in the playoffs. Milwaukee was facing a year without their second-best player, which made this move easier to stomach. It got Lillard off their roster and added a center who just anchored a defense that won the Eastern Conference. Stealing him from a rival was the icing on the cake.
This is the third time Jon Horst and the front office have made a bold move after Giannis applied pressure. The first was the Jrue Holiday trade that brought the Bucks a championship. Milwaukee flipped Holiday for Lillard in 2023. Now, they have dumped Dame for Myles Turner. They are strapped for tradeable assets after being all-in for so long, but Horst keeps making it happen.
The Milwaukee Bucks face a crucial season. Giannis Antetokounmpo wants another championship. This roster has flaws, including the lack of a true point guard. The Bucks hope to take advantage of a weak Eastern Conference to make a deep playoff run. If they fail, the Greek Freak may finally have to look elsewhere.
The Bucks certainly can’t keep committing crimes to keep him happy. This move has painful financial ramifications and could look awful if things blow up. That is the price of having a prime superstar and trying to build around him.