The Bucks are undergoing a seismic shift. Gone are Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday — three elite veterans. In comes a younger, more defensive-focused group led by Myles Turner, as well as role-fillers Jericho Sims, Gary Harris, and Vasilije Micic. Milwaukee is leaning into size, defense, and depth as they reset around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
🔑 Myles Turner Signs — The Thump in the Paint
BREAKING: The Bucks have locked in Myles Turner to a 4-year, $107 million deal with a player option in Year 4 and a full 15% trade kicker. Turner, a 7-foot rim protector turned stretch-six, was the longest-tenured Pacer before this move. He wanted to stay in Indiana, but their tax reluctance — compounded by Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury — opened the door. Milwaukee seized the opportunity, while also waiving Damian Lillard and stretching his remaining $113M over five years to free up immediate space.
🔍 Why It Matters:
- Defense First: Turner averages ~3 blocks and 8 rebounds in 25 minutes per game. He provides interior protection Giannis sorely lacked after losing Holiday and Middleton.
- Floor Spacing: He’s stretched his range beyond the arc, hitting 35–37% on 3s in recent seasons.
- Cost-Efficient: Stretching Lillard removes over $20M (>9% of cap) in dead money each season — crucial when balancing against luxury tax.
Verdict: A bold move. Milwaukee flipped old for new, keeping Giannis surrounded by defense, size, and athleticism.
🔄 The Supporting Cast: Sims, Harris, and Micic
- Jericho Sims (2-year deal): The lob-threat big man played 53 games and all 5 playoff contests last season. Expect high-energy minutes backed by screener antics and rim runs.
- Gary Harris (2-year return): A steady vet wing who’s seen rotations in Denver and Orlando. He adds perimeter defense and smart shooting, rounding out Milwaukee’s back line.
- Vasilije Micic (via trade): The Bucks traded Pat Connaughton plus 2031 and 2032 second-rounders to the Hornets for Micic. A high-IQ ball-handler from Europe, Micic gives Milwaukee rotation playmaking and shot creation — essential after losing Holiday and Middleton.
🪄 The Bigger Picture: Identity Reset
Milwaukee is no longer built like last year’s powerhouse. They’ve trimmed vets and embraced:
- Defense & Length: Turner anchors paint, with Sims to back him up.
- Youth & Athleticism: Matches well with Giannis’ dominance.
- Playmaking Depth: Micic and Harris stabilize offense, while staying flexible.
They might not roar into title contention this year — they’ve lost experience and immediate spacing — but they’ve positioned themselves as a young, dynamic team ready to rebuild around Giannis and transition smoothly into the next era.
In my opinion, the Bucks now have a top 3 front court in the NBA, with the MVP-talent of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the flexibility and versatility of Kyle Kuzma, and now the inside presence and defensive mastermind of Myles Turner, with Kevin Porter Jr holding down the Point Guard, the Bucks now need to find a solid Shooting Guard to
