NBA Free Agency News: Milwaukee Bucks sign Myles Turner for $107 million in blockbuster deal to support Giannis and improve title odds

On July 7, 2025, the Milwaukee Bucks officially signed Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million contract, marking a significant move in the NBA offseason that sent ripples through the league and especially shook the Indiana Pacers franchise.

This signing was not a sign-and-trade deal with the Pacers, but rather a direct free-agent acquisition, allowing the Bucks to secure Turner without giving up any players or draft picks in return.

Myles Turner, A Star Center, Joins Milwaukee

Myles Turner, 29, spent his entire 10-year NBA career with the Indiana Pacers, where he became the franchise’s all-time leader in blocks (1,412) and a key contributor to their recent success, including their run to the NBA Finals last season.

Last season, he averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, showcasing his elite rim protection and improved floor spacing with a strong three-point shot.His move to Milwaukee is a strategic effort by the Milwaukee Bucks to bolster their frontcourt alongside two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remains the cornerstone of the franchise despite ongoing speculation about his future. Myles Turner’s defensive prowess and shooting ability make him an ideal complementary piece to Giannis’s versatile game, potentially elevating the Bucks’ championship aspirations after three consecutive first-round playoff exits.

The Financial and Roster Maneuvering Behind the Signing

To accommodate Turner’s lucrative contract, the Bucks executed a bold financial strategy by waiving nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard, who is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained in the playoffs against Indiana. Milwaukee stretched Lillard’s remaining $113 million contract over five years, a move that freed up significant salary cap space to sign Turner without a sign-and-trade deal.This maneuver stunned the NBA community, as Lillard was a marquee player, but the Milwaukee Bucks prioritized creating cap flexibility to add Turner and other key pieces like Gary Harris and Vasilije Micic to maximize their title window with Giannis.

The Bucks also retained several free agents and signed role players using various exceptions, carefully balancing their roster and salary cap.

Myles Turner’s Impact on the Indiana Pacers and Future Outlook

Myles Turner’s departure leaves the Pacers facing a challenging offseason, especially with star guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined due to an Achilles injury. Indiana reportedly tried to meet Turner’s salary demands but capped their offer at $22 million per year, while Turner sought $25 million annually, leading to the impasse.

The Pacers now must rethink their direction without their all-time blocks leader and a key veteran presence.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Reaction and Team Chemistry

Giannis’s reaction to the signing was cryptic yet telling — a viral social media post saying, “I don’t know what’s going on,” which fans interpreted as a mix of surprise and uncertainty amid the Milwaukee Bucks’ roster upheaval. Despite this, reports suggest Giannis is pleased with the organization’s aggressive moves to build a stronger supporting cast around him, including the Turner signing.Also read: Denver Nuggets Send Jonas Valanciunas a Blunt Three-Word Message Amid EuroLeague DramaThe acquisition of Myles Turner by the Milwaukee Bucks represents a bold, high-stakes gamble to reassert themselves as NBA title contenders. By sacrificing Damian Lillard’s presence and leveraging savvy salary cap management, the Bucks have added one of the league’s premier rim protectors and floor spacers to support Giannis Antetokounmpo’s prime years. For Turner, it’s a new chapter after a decade in Indiana, and for the Bucks, it’s a clear signal they are all-in on competing at the highest level in the coming seasons.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this blockbuster move pays off on the court.