In a move that stunned fans and analysts alike, the Milwaukee Bucks made a bold play for the future by parting ways with veteran star Damian Lillard and signing center Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million contract.
The deal, which includes a player option and trade kicker, signals the team’s commitment to building around Turner’s two-way skills and long-term flexibility. With this decision, the Bucks hope to address their need for a reliable, modern big man who can stretch the floor and anchor the defense, but not everyone is convinced the gamble will pay off.
Myles Turner Contract Draws Scrutiny as Bucks Bet on Potential
Critics argue the Bucks may have overpaid for Turner, pointing to his lack of an All-Star selection as a red flag. Analyst Andy Bailey’s critique centers on the absence of major accolades despite Turner’s reputation as a two-time blocks leader. ‘Last season, Turner, now 29, averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game.
His three-point shooting percentage was among the best of his career. Turner’s playoff numbers included 13.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game in 23 appearances, with 48% shooting from the field and 34% from beyond the arc.
Turner’s career averages of 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game reflect his consistency and value as a modern center, but his numbers have not propelled him into the elite tier of NBA big men. Bailey, among others, believes this undermines the value the Bucks are banking on, especially given the size of the contract and the pressure to win now.
“If Turner was some kind of superstar who’d undoubtedly make Milwaukee a title contender, you could talk yourself into this. But he’s never made an All-Star team,” Bailey noted, emphasizing that deals of this scale are typically reserved for players with higher accolades and postseason dominance.
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
The Bucks’ decision to waive Lillard and stretch the remaining $113 million on his contract over five years freed up the cap room needed to land Turner. This move was controversial and reportedly frustrated superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it reflects the front office’s belief in Turner’s long-term value.
With Brook Lopez now with the Los Angeles Clippers, Turner steps in as the starting center, tasked with leading the defense and spacing the floor alongside Antetokounmpo.
Turner’s arrival signals a new era for the Bucks, who have surrounded him with a veteran core that includes Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr., and new addition Gary Harris. The expectation is that Turner will not only replace Lopez’s production but also offer more durability and mobility in key matchups.
The Bucks are betting that Turner’s versatility and two-way play will help them remain competitive in a tough Eastern Conference.
Pressure to Perform: Turner’s Challenge as Bucks’ New Center
Turner’s contract gives him the option to stay or leave before the 2028–29 season, providing the Bucks with flexibility for the future. However, the pressure is immediate. If Turner fails to make an All-Star team or help the Bucks advance deeper in the playoffs, the deal could be questioned. For now, the Bucks are taking a calculated risk on a player whose true potential is still debated among analysts and fans.
With a roster built around Antetokounmpo, Portis, Trent Jr., and Harris, the Bucks are banking on Turner’s ability to adapt and thrive in a new environment. The team’s decision to move on from Lillard and Lopez, and to invest heavily in Turner, reflects their confidence in his skill set and their belief that he can elevate the team’s ceiling.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Turner to see if he can live up to the expectations that come with such a significant contract.
