The Milwaukee Bucks continue to make bold moves, year after year, consistently stunning the NBA. Their commitment to building a championship-contending roster around superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has been evident since the initial acquisition of Jrue Holiday, with the subsequent trade for Damian Lillard serving as a prime example of their aggressive strategy.
This offseason, facing mounting rumors of Antetokounmpo potentially seeking a trade, the Bucks’ front office responded decisively. After securing valuable role players for the minimum, they made a significant splash, adding a star big man who appears to be a perfect complement to their two-time Most Valuable Player.
Bucks Make Shocking Move for Myles Turner
With limited salary cap space, Milwaukee faced tough decisions this offseason. Perhaps the most impactful choice revolved around veteran center Brook Lopez. A staple of the franchise for seven years, the 7-footer provided strong stretch-big man capabilities and underrated rim protection. While he had evolved into one of the Bucks’ most crucial defensive assets, Lopez, approaching 40, was clearly past his prime.
Consequently, Milwaukee allowed Lopez to depart in free agency; he subsequently signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Bucks then shifted their focus to a younger, more versatile alternative for a 3-and-D center: Myles Turner. Given the heated rivalry between the two sides, the move by the Bucks’ front office was genuinely surprising.
Shams Charania broke the news on X, reporting, “BREAKING: Free agent center Myles Turner has agreed to a four-year, $107 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, plus a player option for year four in 2028-29 and a full 15% trade kicker, sources tell ESPN.”
BREAKING: Free agent center Myles Turner has agreed to a four-year, $107 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, plus a player option for year four in 2028-29 and a full 15% trade kicker, sources tell ESPN. Stunner. pic.twitter.com/MlDkZusVOv
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
Charania even clarified that the move was a “stunner,” before revealing the behind-the-scenes developments with the star big man. A fan favorite in Indiana, Turner had expressed a desire to continue his decade-long partnership with the Pacers organization.
In a second tweet, Charania reported, “Turner, the longest tenured Pacer, made it known he wished to remain in Indiana. Since the Game 7 exit, Turner’s reps pushed to get a deal done.”
However, a return to Indiana was not meant to be, as Charania added, “Ultimately, Indiana’s aversion to the tax, which grew after Tyrese Haliburton’s injury, allowed Bucks to get the new franchise center.” Given his strong performance last season, Turner’s desire to remain with the Pacers was widely anticipated.
Turner, the longest tenured Pacer, made it known he wished to remain in Indiana. Since the Game 7 exit, Turner’s reps pushed to get a deal done. Ultimately, Indiana’s aversion to the tax, which grew after Tyrese Haliburton’s injury, allowed Bucks to get the new franchise center. https://t.co/lZqZudrUWg
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
Insider Jake Fischer reported separately that “Indiana’s offers for Turner never truly exceeded the three-year, $60 million range.” This allowed Milwaukee to “swoop in” for what could prove to be a best-case scenario deal. Shockingly, the Bucks waived and stretched Damian Lillard in order to free up the cap space to sign Turner.
There is certainly more dust to settle from Myles Turner landing in Milwaukee, as ESPN reports. I’m being told the big man wanted to remain with the Pacers, who he helped lead to the Finals, but Indiana’s offers for Turner never truly exceeded the three-year, $60 million range.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 1, 2025
Turner’s Impact and Fit With the Bucks
Bringing another 7-footer to play alongside Antetokounmpo, Turner represents the Bucks’ best opportunity to effectively replace Lopez. For his career, Turner averages 13.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks. He has consistently demonstrated excellent shooting touch, with a career average of 35.4% from 3-point range.
Notably, his shooting efficiency has improved significantly in recent years. During the 2024-25 season, he posted his best year from beyond the arc, shooting 39.6% on a career-high 5.5 attempts per game. As an elite shot blocker, Turner has previously led the league in blocks, further highlighting his defensive prowess.
A frontcourt featuring Antetokounmpo and Turner could create a formidable defensive presence in the paint, making scoring a nightmare for opposing teams. Additionally, the two-time MVP can effectively compensate for any potential weaknesses in Turner’s game, such as rebounding.
