Imagine a ship struggling, systems failing, raw sewage flowing through the halls. That`s the picture painted of the Milwaukee Bucks` recent situation, and Damian Lillard seems to have just been airlifted off the vessel, smelling fresh as a daisy.
In a surprising turn of events, the Bucks agreed to a four-year, $107 million contract with Myles Turner. To accommodate this, they waived Lillard and opted to stretch the remaining $113 million on his contract over the next five years.
For those unfamiliar with the mechanics, instead of paying Lillard a hefty sum over the next two years ($54.1 million this coming season and $58.6 million the season after), particularly as he`s recovering from a torn Achilles, the Bucks spread those payments out. This move significantly reduces their immediate payroll for the `25-26 season, allowing them to acquire Turner and remove Lillard from the roster.
The result? Lillard is set to receive approximately $22.5 million annually for the next five years, all while not playing for the Milwaukee Bucks. He doesn`t even need to play for anyone. He could, theoretically, retire to a tropical paradise and collect checks for half a decade.
Of course, he`s unlikely to do that. Instead, he`ll spend the next year focusing on his Achilles recovery, free to contemplate his next move without the burden of his previous large salary. Suddenly, the entire league becomes a potential destination, as his financial demands on a new team will be minimal. He`s effectively getting paid like a player still on his rookie deal by his previous team, giving him unprecedented flexibility.
Reports indicate Lillard is “elated” with the outcome. It`s easy to see why. Just yesterday, he was tied to a situation described as increasingly dire; today, while the rest of the team grapples with the fallout, he`s free to choose his next chapter, heading towards whichever ideal destination his potential Hall-of-Fame career dictates.
So, where could Lillard land? Various possibilities exist for a player of his caliber, even as he ages. Potential fits include a return to Portland, a move to Miami (a long-rumored preferred destination), joining Nikola Jokic in Denver (perhaps as an elite backup to Jamal Murray), adding a championship push in Cleveland, or slotting in as the starting point guard alongside Anthony Edwards in Minnesota.
Other intriguing options abound. Boston could present a future with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White. Orlando desperately needs a top-tier point guard. Houston offers a situation similar to Minnesota`s with a star and strong defense. His hometown Warriors might be a sentimental pick. Even backing up De`Aaron Fox and joining the Victor Wembanyama era in San Antonio could be considered.
The list is extensive because while a max-contract Lillard is a complex piece to fit into team budgets, Lillard available at a veteran minimum or similar low salary represents an almost unprecedented talent-to-value proposition in NBA history. Virtually any team would welcome his skills under such financial terms. The choice is entirely his.
This freedom comes courtesy of the Bucks` controversial decision. They face being financially constrained for the next five years, paying $113 million to a player no longer on their team. This move occurs while the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo remains uncertain. Despite this, they acquired Myles Turner.
To be clear, Myles Turner is a good player. The criticism isn`t directed at his ability, but whether his value justifies the severe long-term financial consequences of stretching Lillard`s contract. For such a drastic financial maneuver, a team typically needs to land a superstar. The addition of Turner, while solid, doesn`t appear to be worth the substantial financial squeeze now placed upon the Milwaukee franchise.
The Bucks do deserve credit for consistently taking bold risks. Fans often criticize front offices that fail to capitalize when they have a superstar. The Bucks have definitely prioritized the present, making three major high-stakes moves during the Giannis era.
First, the trade for Jrue Holiday, which came at a high cost but resulted in a championship. Then, as questions about Giannis`s future resurfaced, they traded for Lillard. While perhaps a move born of desperation, it was arguably justifiable under the circumstances.
However, the Myles Turner move appears different. It seems beyond desperate, bordering on delusional. Even in the Eastern Conference, and even if Giannis stays, this move doesn`t elevate the Bucks into true championship contention. Are they mortgaging their future for a possible four or five seed and a second-round exit? With Kyle Kuzma potentially being Milwaukee`s third-best player, the situation looks challenging, and it might only worsen.
Except for Damian Lillard, who has indeed hit the basketball lottery. Now, the only question is where he decides to cash his ticket.
Jasper Hawthorne