Dec 18, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) warms up before a game against the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

NBA expert labels Bucks’ signing the worst deal

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Mar 23, 2026 1:41 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks have struggled significantly this season, falling well below preseason expectations. They entered the year hoping to contend for a championship in a weakened Eastern Conference, but the outcome has been the opposite. Milwaukee now ranks 11th in the conference and appears unlikely to secure a spot in the play-in tournament.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has appeared in just 36 games this season, and the Bucks plan to shut him down for the remainder of the year. The moves made over the summer to build a team around him have failed to produce the results they hoped for.

During the offseason, Milwaukee made the controversial decision to waive-and-stretch Damian Lillard. That move has since been criticized as the most questionable roster decision any team made over the summer. Zach Kram of ESPN labeled the decision to part ways with Lillard and bring in Myles Turner as the worst offseason move of the year.

Myles Turner with the Bucks

Turner was brought in on a four-year contract worth $108.9 million. The decision already looked questionable given the money still owed to Lillard, but it appears even worse now considering Turner’s underwhelming performance.

All of Myles Turner’s numbers have dropped compared with last season with the Indiana Pacers. As a result, the Bucks are now headed toward the lottery. On top of that, the team is committed to paying Lillard $22.5 million over the next five years for a player who will not suit up for them, limiting their flexibility to acquire quality players in free agency.

Dec 18, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) warms up before a game against the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Antetokounmpo was expected to mesh well with the 29-year-old Turner, a prototypical stretch five who can also protect the rim. The Bucks envisioned Turner as an upgrade over Brook Lopez. Instead, the plan has backfired, with Lopez likely reaching the playoffs this season with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The decision to stretch Damian Lillard was always a gamble for the Bucks. With Lillard set to return next season and Turner struggling on the court, this move has proven disastrous for Jon Horst and the front office.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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