The second day of NBA free agency delivered plenty of headlines, but none quite as unexpected or potentially impactful as the maneuvers orchestrated by the Milwaukee Bucks. In a move that sent ripples through the league, the Bucks opted for a dramatic restructuring centered around a high-stakes personnel change.
Milwaukee`s Calculated Risk: Lillard Out, Turner In
Milwaukee emerged as arguably the central figure of the day, securing the commitment of Myles Turner, a player widely expected to remain with the Indiana Pacers. However, reaching this agreement required a significant, and potentially very costly, decision: the surprising release of guard Damian Lillard.
Lillard, who is recovering from a severe Achilles tendon injury sustained during the recent postseason, was cut using the `stretch provision`. This procedural move allows the Bucks to spread the financial impact of Lillard`s remaining contract obligation – a hefty $113 million in total – over a longer period. The consequence? Milwaukee will carry a cap hit of approximately $22.5 million annually for the next five years related to Lillard, an expensive price tag indeed for a player no longer on the roster, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding his post-injury future.
The cap space generated (or perhaps, restructured) by the Lillard move enabled the Bucks to aggressively pursue Turner. The former Pacer ultimately agreed to a four-year, $107 million contract with Milwaukee. The strategic objective is clear: construct a competitive roster around cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo capable of contending in a challenging Eastern Conference, a task certainly made more interesting by these personnel shifts. The Bucks also added depth, reaching agreements with veteran guard Gary Harris and center Jericho Sims, while trading Pat Connaughton and two future second-round picks to Charlotte in exchange for Serbian guard Vasilije Micic.
SGA`s Supermax Payday and Denver`s Bench Reinforcements
Meanwhile, celebrations continued for Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Fresh off an MVP campaign and an NBA Finals victory, SGA solidified his long-term future with the Thunder, signing a supermax contract extension. The deal is reportedly worth $285 million over four years, tying him to Oklahoma City through the 2030-31 season – a fitting reward for a player performing at the highest level.
The Denver Nuggets were also active, signaling their intent to bolster their depth beyond the roster adjustments seen earlier (like the Cam Johnson trade, which perhaps wasn`t just about balancing the books). Denver made key acquisitions aimed at strengthening their rotation. They acquired veteran center Jonas Valanciunas, sending Dario Saric to Sacramento in the process. Valanciunas is expected to provide a capable backup option behind MVP Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets also added reliable perimeter scoring and experience by securing the services of former Pistons guard Tim Hardaway Jr.
Knicks Add Punch, Lakers Seek a Center
In New York, the Knicks also made interesting additions to their bench unit. They reportedly secured the agreement of Jordan Clarkson, who recently became available after a buyout with the Utah Jazz. The Knicks also added French forward Guerschon Yabusele on a two-year, $12 million deal, bringing international size and versatility.
Conversely, the Los Angeles Lakers appear to be navigating a more challenging free agency period, particularly in their search for a center. Key targets reportedly eluded them, with Brook Lopez heading to the Clippers and Clint Capela joining the Rockets. Former Celtics big man Luke Kornet also signed elsewhere, securing a four-year, $41 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers are now speculated to be potential suitors for Deandre Ayton, available from Portland, though whether he represents the ideal piece for their puzzle remains a key question.
Sacramento`s Backcourt and Frontcourt Additions
Rounding out some of the notable moves, the Sacramento Kings were busy as well. They reached an agreement with guard Dennis Schroder on a three-year, $45 million contract, adding an experienced playmaker to their backcourt. The Kings also signed big man Drew Eubanks, a player whose potential connection to Italian basketball through his mother had previously generated some interesting speculation regarding national team possibilities.
Adrian Whitmore