While they felt confident heading into the campaign, the Milwaukee Bucks had a very average year during the 2024-25 NBA season, finishing in fifth place of the Eastern Conference with a 48-34 record. However, once the playoffs tipped off, it became evident that the Bucks were no match for the Indiana Pacers, who defeated Milwaukee in just five games.
Of course, Damian Lillard going down with an Achilles injury surely didn’t help. Plus, since Lillard’s injury happened so late in the season, many assumed he wouldn’t be available at all during the 2025-26 league year.
His expected absence caused the Bucks to release Lillard from his contract so they could sign Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million contract. Chances are, Turner will help the Bucks much more than Lillard would have been able to this season, due to the point guard’s injury.
But what about in the long run? That’s where Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey says the Bucks may have “seriously complicated their future in what was this offseason’s “biggest NBA free agency overpay.” However, it’s important to note that Bailey included the decision to release Lillard too, since they’ll be paying $20 million per season over the next five years to move on from his contract.
“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.
Bleacher Report on Milwaukee Bucks
Instead, he’s the second name on a marquee that includes Kyle Kuzma (he was a legitimate disaster after joining the team last season), Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince and Kevin Porter Jr.
Even in the decimated Eastern Conference, that team (plus Giannis, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton) hardly looks like a title contender. And Milwaukee may have seriously complicated its future for it.”
Others have called the Bucks offseason winners after securing arguably the best free agent to change teams. Clearly, not everyone agrees.
While the Bucks may look like winners today, this series of transactions could look drastically different one or two years from now when Lillard returns to health.
Related: Milwaukee Bucks reportedly prevented Damian Lillard from returning home during injury rehab
More About:NBA