On paper, the combination of Damien Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo seemed promising. Lillard stands out as one of the best pull-up shooters today, while Antetokounmpo is arguably the league’s top scorer around the rim. The Bucks made a bold move to acquire Lillard, aiming for a championship two years ago, but the results have been disappointing.
In Lillard’s first season, the Bucks suffered an early playoff exit, largely due to an injury that kept Giannis on the bench. The following season, Lillard faced his own setback with a torn Achilles, resulting in another first-round loss. With limited options left—due to salary constraints and young players—Milwaukee seemed cornered.
Yet, somehow, the Bucks managed to secure key players in free agency, making a noteworthy offseason move.
The Bucks recently signed Miles Turner, a center from the Indiana Pacers, to a four-year, $107 million contract. To facilitate this, they chose to stretch and waive Lillard, distributing the $113 million owed to him over the next five years. Essentially, this means a $22.5 million hit to their salary cap annually for the next five years, freeing up space for Turner.
This creative solution reflects the Milwaukee front office’s ingenuity. Let’s unpack some critical points about this deal.
The Bucks needed to act to please Giannis
There has been speculation about a potential trade request from Antetokounmpo since Lillard’s injury. Although that hasn’t happened yet, the addition of Turner could help reassure the superstar. With the Eastern Conference being less competitive this year, Giannis has a chance to lead his team effectively. While teams like the Magic, Hawks, Cavaliers, and Knicks pose a challenge, Giannis remains the conference’s standout player.
The Bucks have historically prioritized keeping Giannis satisfied. They took significant steps with the Jrue Holiday trade, which ultimately led to a championship, and their high-stakes move to secure Lillard didn’t pan out. This latest decision comes at a cost for Milwaukee, but it’s a gamble worth taking to keep Giannis on their roster.
Miles Turner fits the Bucks’ needs well
After losing Brook Lopez to the Clippers, the Bucks needed to replace him with a younger, similarly skilled player. Turner’s addition is encouraging; he provides rim protection alongside Giannis and can elevate the team’s offensive options. Despite his inconsistent shooting percentage, he remains a capable shot blocker.
Why did the Pacers let Turner go? Money.
The Pacers were reluctant to incur luxury tax penalties, especially with Tyrese Haliburton recovering from an Achilles injury. Their decision to part with Turner was likely financially driven, which might prove to be a prudent long-term strategy, although it’s unfortunate to see a playoff-caliber team dismantle so quickly.
Cutting Lillard creates unique cap implications
Lillard’s $22.5 million salary represents over 14% of the Bucks’ cap this season. This figure will decline as the salary cap increases, but cutting him is an unprecedented financial maneuver in NBA history.
Lillard’s departure isn’t without its challenges
It’s clear Lillard didn’t have the best experience in Milwaukee. Being let go in this manner can be humiliating for someone of his caliber, but the Bucks felt it was necessary to move forward and bolster their roster around Giannis. Now, Lillard has the freedom to choose his next destination after recovery, framing this as a mutually beneficial situation.
Is Giannis truly upset about Lillard’s departure?
Reports suggest that Giannis is not pleased with the Bucks’ decision to cut Lillard. The context surrounding this news raises questions; with Lillard sidelined for the upcoming season, Milwaukee needed to enhance its talent pool to maintain Giannis’s loyalty.
What’s next for the Bucks?
After bolstering their lineup with the signings of Gary Harris and Miles Turner, along with re-signing players like Gary Trent Jr., Bobby Portis, and Kevin Porter Jr., the Bucks have lost key players but seem committed to the future. Nevertheless, doubts linger about their competitiveness in the Eastern Conference. To remain relevant, they might need further strategic moves and hope Giannis can replicate his previous playoff performances.
Rivalry between the Bucks and Pacers heating up
The rivalry between the Bucks and Pacers has developed over the years, with recent events intensifying the competition. As the Pacers work to return to form after Halliburton’s injury, how this rivalry evolves will be intriguing to watch.
