Myles Turner Signs With Milwaukee Bucks: How Will This Impact the Central Division Race?

By Edcel Panganiban July 08, 2025 21:14

The Milwaukee Bucks shook the NBA landscape this offseason by signing Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million contract, a move that instantly reshapes the Central Division race and their championship aspirations. To clear the necessary cap space for Turner, the Bucks made the bold decision to waive and stretch Damian Lillard’s contract, a move that stunned the basketball world and signaled Milwaukee’s commitment to retooling around Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Turner, a seven-year veteran with the Indiana Pacers, is widely regarded as one of the league’s premier rim protectors and a stretch big man who can space the floor with his three-point shooting. Last season, he averaged 15.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc. His defensive presence and ability to hit timely threes make him a natural fit alongside Giannis, who thrives with shooters around him. Bucks insiders and NBA analysts have noted that Turner’s skill set mirrors the impact Brook Lopez had during Milwaukee’s 2021 championship run but with youth and a longer runway ahead.

Milwaukee’s front office executed a complex salary cap maneuver to make this signing possible. By waiving Lillard and stretching his $113 million contract over five years, the Bucks freed up the midlevel exception needed to sign Turner outright without a trade. This “rob Peter to pay Paul” strategy has drawn mixed reactions. While Turner addresses a glaring need at center, the loss of Lillard who is recovering from a torn Achilles and unlikely to play next season leaves the Bucks without a proven starting point guard. Critics argue the team remains flawed, especially in backcourt depth, and question if this move alone is enough to vault Milwaukee back into title contention.

Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly pushed for Turner’s addition, signaling a desire to build a roster that can maximize his prime years. Bucks coach Adrian Griffin praised the signing, saying, “Myles brings the defensive toughness and shooting we need. Pairing him with Giannis gives us a versatile frontcourt that can challenge any team in the league.” The Bucks’ frontcourt of Giannis and Turner creates a formidable rim-protecting duo, combining elite shot-blocking with floor spacing a rare combination in today’s NBA.

From a Central Division perspective, Turner’s arrival complicates the race. The division features strong competitors like the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Indiana Pacers. With Turner gone, the Pacers lose their defensive anchor, potentially weakening their playoff push. Meanwhile, the Bulls and Cavaliers must now contend with a Bucks team that, despite some roster holes, boasts arguably the best player in the league and a revitalized frontcourt. Milwaukee’s improved interior defense and spacing could swing close matchups in their favor, making them a tougher out in divisional play and the postseason.

However, the Bucks’ long-term outlook remains uncertain. Unlike previous years when Giannis’s extensions coincided with major roster upgrades, this offseason offers no contract extension for the two-time MVP. The team’s ability to add complementary pieces and address backcourt depth will be critical to keeping Giannis engaged and competitive. As ESPN’s NBA insider Chris Haynes observed, “This move is a start, but the Bucks still have work to do if they want to build a contender around Giannis. The front office must be proactive in the coming months.”

Myles Turner’s signing is a high-stakes gamble that could redefine the Central Division balance. His elite defense and shooting provide Milwaukee with a much-needed boost next to Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the loss of Damian Lillard and remaining roster questions temper expectations. The Bucks have taken a bold step toward contention, but the road ahead will require further moves and strategic finesse to truly challenge for another NBA title.