The NBA free agency period is in full swing, and teams are making decisive, sometimes surprising, moves to shape their rosters for the season ahead. One of the most notable developments on day two came from the Milwaukee Bucks, who executed an audacious maneuver that sent ripples across the league: they decided to part ways with star guard Damian Lillard.
Lillard, who recently suffered a significant Achilles tendon injury during the postseason, was waived using the `stretch provision`. This technical mechanism allows teams to spread the financial burden of a waived player`s remaining salary over several years. For Milwaukee, the financial commitment is considerable: they will still be responsible for the entirety of Lillard`s remaining $113 million contract, impacting their salary cap by approximately $22.5 million annually for the next five years. It`s a significant cost to absorb, particularly for a player whose future performance carries some uncertainty following a serious injury. It`s the kind of high-stakes gamble that could define an offseason.
Bucks Make Their Pivot: Enter Myles Turner
The purpose behind this costly cap-clearing move quickly became clear. With the newly available financial flexibility, the Bucks aggressively pursued and successfully signed veteran center Myles Turner. Turner reportedly agreed to a four-year, $107 million contract. The strategic vision appears to be building a defensive anchor and floor-spacing big man around cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo, aiming to assemble a roster capable of seriously contending in the Eastern Conference. Whether this significant personnel change makes that task easier remains, however, an open question.
Milwaukee also added further depth, securing agreements with veteran guard Gary Harris and center Jericho Sims. Additionally, the Bucks were involved in a trade, sending Pat Connaughton and two future second-round draft picks to Charlotte in exchange for former EuroLeague MVP Vasilije Micic.
MVP Secured: SGA`s Massive Extension
Away from Milwaukee`s dramatic roster surgery, other major deals were being struck. Reigning NBA MVP (both regular season and, as reported by the source, Finals) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander solidified his long-term commitment to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Fresh off a championship season, SGA signed a colossal supermax contract extension, reportedly worth $285 million over four years. This deal ties him to Oklahoma City through the 2030-31 season – a well-deserved reward for the player who has reached the pinnacle of the sport.
Denver Boosts Depth
Having already made moves earlier in the offseason, the Denver Nuggets continued to strengthen their roster. Demonstrating a clear focus on adding reliable bench production, Denver acquired veteran center Jonas Valanciunas in a trade package that sent Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings. Valanciunas is expected to provide valuable backup minutes behind two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets also added scoring punch to their backcourt rotation by signing guard Tim Hardaway Jr., most recently with the Detroit Pistons.
Knicks Add Bench Strength, Lakers` Center Search Continues
Across the league, other teams addressed specific needs. The New York Knicks bolstered their secondary unit by signing guard Jordan Clarkson, who had recently been bought out by the Utah Jazz. They also reached an agreement with French forward Guerschon Yabusele on a two-year, $12 million deal, adding another international flavor to their bench.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers appear to be navigating a more challenging free agency period, particularly in their pursuit of a center. Key targets they were reportedly interested in, such as Brook Lopez and Clint Capela, ended up signing elsewhere (Lopez with the Clippers, Capela returning to the Rockets). Veteran big man Luke Kornet also signed a significant four-year, $41 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs, further limiting options. With other targets off the board, the Lakers are now reportedly favorites to acquire Deandre Ayton, available from the Portland Trail Blazers. However, some analysts suggest that Ayton`s specific skillset might not be the perfect schematic fit for the Lakers` current roster composition.
Kings Make Notable Signings
Not to be outdone, the Sacramento Kings made significant moves themselves. They secured veteran guard Dennis Schroder, agreeing to a three-year, $45 million contract. The Kings also added frontcourt depth by signing forward/center Drew Eubanks. Eubanks had notably been considered a candidate for Italian naturalization to potentially play for their national team due to his maternal heritage.
These early free agency events, from Milwaukee`s bold and expensive pivot away from Damian Lillard to Myles Turner, to major extensions and targeted veteran acquisitions, underscore the high stakes and strategic maneuvering involved in building an NBA contender. The offseason, it seems, is providing just as much drama as the season itself.
