The Milwaukee Bucks agreed to a four-year $107 million contract with Myles Turner, but immediately pissed off Giannis Antetokounmpo by waiving and stretching Damian Lillard’s contract. The stunning move improved their chances to win now and going forward, but fans can’t enjoy stealing Turner from a rival without knowing if Giannis is locked in.
Speculation about the superstar’s future has been a consistent topic this offseason. Giannis has been upfront about his desire to compete for championships. Lillard’s Achilles injury coupled with the Bucks' lack of assets left Milwaukee in a difficult spot. Horst and the front office made a bold move for Turner in the only way possible to meet Antetokounmpo’s goals. Despite that, the future remains murky.
Turner is the perfect fit next to Giannis and an upgrade over Brook Lopez, but none of that matters without Giannis. Fans aren’t enjoying the move now and it will only get worse if their superstar requests a trade. There is certainly no celebration for his new marriage.
Myles Turner's honeymoon with the Bucks was over before it began
Signing a 29-year-old stretch five who just averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting over 39 percent from 3-point range is a win. Turner helped the Pacers eliminate the Bucks in the opening round of the playoffs and reach the NBA Finals. Fans should be ecstatic about that move, but can’t be.
It was nothing Turner did. He wanted to get paid and found a deal with Milwaukee. Horst has made several bold plays in free agency to add talent and depth for the Bucks. Everyone wants to keep Giannis, but the decision ultimately lies with the superstar.
Milwaukee needed an upgrade. Lopez left for the Clippers, and the Bucks have made three straight first-round playoff exits. Turner gives them that player. He played 30 minutes per game on the franchise that won the Eastern Conference. There should be joy, especially since Lillard is out of the entire 2025-26 season.
The Bucks center around Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the top priority should be keeping him happy. Milwaukee is not a contender without him and has already traded virtually all of their draft capital. It would be a bleak future if Giannis wants out. Fans know this, which is why the Giannis rumors from Chris Haynes ruined the entire transaction.
The silver lining for Milwaukee Bucks fans is nothing has happened yet. Giannis Antetokounmpo is still on their roster and hasn’t requested a trade. Their roster is better than it was yesterday too. Those are the positives. Hopefully, Giannis will take note and decide to stay. Only then can Bucks fans enjoy their latest move.