Mar 4, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Damian Lillard (0) react after defeating the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Indiana was not willing to pay. Then, in a cold and bold move, the Milwaukee Bucks stepped up and waived-and-stretched the $112.6 million still owed Damian Lillard — out most or all of next season with a torn Achilles — and used that money to sign Turner to a four-year, $104 million contract.

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski discusses what led to the Bucks decision to waive Damian Lillard, enabling them to sign Myles Turner.