The Milwaukee Bucks have ignited the 2025 Free Agency period with a series of surprising moves, including the blockbuster acquisition of Myles Turner and the shocking release of star player Damian Lillard. Here’s a recap of the whirlwind events that unfolded in just a few hours.
Calm Beginnings Turn Chaotic
The Free Agency officially opened at midnight Paris time, and the Bucks initially made some predictable moves by re-signing several players. Kevin Porter Jr., Taurean Prince, and Gary Trent Jr. will all remain in Wisconsin for the next two years, with contracts amounting to $11 million, $7 million, and $7.5 million, respectively.
However, these decisions are unlikely to be enough to keep star player Giannis Antetokounmpo satisfied, especially following the departure of Brook Lopez to the Los Angeles Clippers. The question remains: what more can Milwaukee do?
Blockbuster Moves Shake the Bucks’ Roster
Breaking news hit around 5 PM, as ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Myles Turner is joining the Bucks on a four-year, $107 million deal, which includes a player option for the final year. This acquisition surprised many, especially since Turner was expected to stay with the Indiana Pacers for the foreseeable future.
What followed was even more shocking: the Bucks announced they would be waiving All-Star Damian Lillard to accommodate Turner’s arrival, a decision that reverberated across the basketball world. Lillard, currently recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, will still receive $22 million per year for the next five years as part of the contract buyout.
Chris Haynes reported soon after that Antetokounmpo was unhappy with how the situation was handled, while Lillard finds himself in a favorable position with the financial security of his previous contract.
Further Roster Changes and Uncertainty
But General Manager Jon Horst wasn’t done yet. Shortly after the major announcements, the Bucks acquired Gary Harris on a two-year deal and re-signed Jericho Sims for the same duration. Meanwhile, Pat Connaughton was traded to Charlotte in exchange for Vasilije Micic.
In a surprising twist, the Bucks chose not to activate the qualifying offer for promising young point guard Ryan Rollins, leaving many fans puzzled. It seemed that Horst might be prioritizing a shocking shift for the team in 2025, which he certainly achieved within a day’s time.
Sources: Shams Charania, Chris Haynes
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