The Milwaukee Bucks have surprised the NBA world by waiving Damian Lillard. They have followed that up by signing Indiana Pacers center, Miles Turner, to a 4-year, $107 million deal. The shocking move was not expected by pretty much anyone in the NBA biosphere. The focus for the Bucks has been on developing yet another squad around their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo. By releasing Dame and bringing Turner to Milwaukee, the Bucks have given themselves a great chance at success next season.
The focus for Damian Lillard now shifts to recovery from his Achilles injury
Damian Lillard, or ‘Dame time’ as he’s more affectionately known, rocketed into the limelight while giving some truly iconic performances in Portland with the Trailblazers. He became a staple of the city, and the fans absolutely loved him, not just in Portland, either. Dame became one of the best point guards in the NBA at the time, and after spending 11 seasons in Rip City, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The idea was that Lillard would form an All-Star pairing with Milwaukee’s star forward, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks traded for Jrue Holiday a few years before to bolster the squad around Giannis. Lillard and Giannis never developed the kind of chemistry needed to beat the top contenders, such as the Pacers, who defeated them this year, and following Lillard’s injury in the playoffs, the Bucks are now making some interesting moves in the offseason.
Damian Lillard will be in a unique position once he bounces back from his long-term injury
Yes, we know, it’s shocking. Nobody expected or could have predicted that the Bucks would waive Lillard. His bountiful salary will be paid to him by the Bucks regardless of where he is playing over the next five years. Once he heals, Lillard will have his future entirely in his own hands. He will be able to choose where he plays for the first time in his career, which is entering its 14th season in the NBA. A few possible suitors could be:
- Los Angeles Lakers – We all know LeBron’s playing time is coming to an end. Luka will need another star player to contend for a championship and build a strong foundation for the future.
- Boston Celtics – Once their star player, Jayson Tatum, recovers, the Celtics could have one of the best rosters if they can get Lillard to come to Boston.
- Miami Heat – The Heat need to restructure and bring in top players to compete for a title once again. Following the departure of Jimmy Butler, the Heat are without a star performer and need an injection of talent.
The Turner trade could be the move that keeps Giannis in Milwaukee
It’s no secret that Giannis is considering his future at the moment. According to reports, he is quietly sitting back and assessing the Bucks’ strategy in the free agency to determine his next move. Turner joins the Bucks on a 4-year, $107 million deal after spending 10 years with the Pacers. The Bucks will be hoping the Turner signing will be enough to keep Giannis in Milwaukee.
Will the Milwaukee Bucks be able to compete with the best teams next season?
The Bucks shocked the NBA by waiving Damian Lillard, who still has a lot of playing time left in his career, it should be added. Following the departure of Brook Lopez, the Bucks quickly moved to bring in a new center to accommodate the needs of the team. The Bucks managed to keep some of their valuable draft picks for the future by waiving Lillard, but they are losing a title-contending player, and that will hurt any team in the NBA. With Turner controlling the frontcourt, can the Bucks keep Giannis and contend for the championship next season?
