The Milwaukee Bucks stunned the basketball world this week with a decision that's already being called the most expensive panic move in NBA history: Damian Lillard has been waived. In a bid to create cap space, the Bucks stretched Lillard's $113 million contract across five years, freeing up just enough money to sign centre Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal.
It's a staggering pivot. Milwaukee has essentially chosen an injury-prone, playoff-inconsistent big man over a future Hall of Fame point guard, one who, despite a torn Achilles, still averaged nearly 25 points and 7 assists per game. And while the Bucks may think they've upgraded their defence and floor spacing next to Giannis Antetokounmpo, many around the league believe they've only deepened their long-term problems with Turner's bloated deal, as told by The Ringer.
