The Milwaukee Bucks are waiving nine-time All-Star guard Damian Lillard and signing free agent center Myles Turner, ESPN reported.

The decision did not sit well with Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to NBA reporter Chris Haynes.

The Bucks are stretching the remaining $113 million on Lillard’s contract over the next five seasons, per the report, using the “stretch and release” provision in the collective bargaining agreement. Lillard is currently recovering from surgery in May to repair a torn Achilles tendon.

Antetokounmpo has been mentioned as a trade candidate this offseason. Among teams with reported interest in a deal should the Bucks part with the two-time MVP are the San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks. Antetokounmpo has spent all 12 of his NBA seasons in Milwaukee.

Turner spent his entire 10-year career with the Indiana Pacers. He agreed to a four-year, $107 million contract with Milwaukee, per ESPN. The deal reportedly includes a player option in the final season in 2028-29 and a 15 percent trade kicker, a bonus paid to Turner in the event he’s traded.

Turner, 29 years old, helped the Pacers reach the NBA finals this season, losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games. He averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and two blocks in 72 starts in the regular season, and 13.8 points, 4.8 boards and two blocks in 23 starts in the postseason.

Lillard turns 35 on July 15 and faces a long rehab from the Achilles injury to return to top basketball form. A timeline hasn’t been formally set, but he will likely miss a large chunk of the 2025-2026 Season and possibly all of it. (Field Level Media / Reuters)