Trading Rating: Miles Turner s $107 million contract assessment with the Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks shocked the NBA by poaching Miles Turner from the Indiana Pacers in free agency.

The Milwaukee Bucks enter the 2025 offseason with only one goal: to retain Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP winner is considering making a trade request after another disappointing offseason. The Bucks caught the NBA off guard by signing a four-year, $107 million contract with Indiana Pacers center Miles Turner on Tuesday.

Signing Turner was one of the efforts of the Bucks to try to convince Antetokounmpo to stay. The Milwaukee Bucks lost Damian Lillard in the first round due to an ACL torn, and the former MVP player failed to get out of the shadow of the loss. Despite the disappointing loss, Bucks general manager Jon Horst has been aggressive so far this summer.

The Milwaukee Bucks lost Brooke Lopez to the Los Angeles Clippers, but Turner replaced him. During his time with the Pacers, Turner gradually adapted to his role, becoming the backbone of the team's defense and opening up space for Tyres Halliburton. Although the 6-foot-11-inch (about 2.03 meters) center disappointed fans during the NBA Finals, he is one of the best defenders in the league.

Indiana fans are frustrated with the loss of Turner. He was the longest player on the Pacers before signing with the Bucks. However, after a decade of playing for Indiana, he now joins their opponents in the Central Division.

This deal is a great short-term upgrade for the Milwaukee Bucks. However, in order to make enough cap space to achieve this, they need to make a difficult decision. Horst and management cut All-Star point guard Damian Lillard and extended his contract. The Bucks will pay the remainder of the former point guard’s $113 million contract over the next few seasons.

Antetokounmpo reportedly helped recruit Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks. However, the All-Star forward is allegedly upset about the way the Bucks traded.

Horst and the Milwaukee Bucks management Bucks are eager to keep Antetokounmpo. Every time Antetokounmpo considers leaving, the Bucks make a big move. First, it was to introduce Ju Holiday and then trade Lillard next season. Now, Milwaukee has given their superstar a center who can pull space and relieve his defensive burden.

However, the Bucks are in a tough situation after giving up Lillard and signing a contract with Turner that is slightly higher than the potential offer of other teams. Each season, they pay $50 million to keep Turner and pay Lillard's salary.

To retain Antetokounmpo, this deal is one of the team's only choices. Still, the deal is memorable, especially if he ends up leaving.

Trading Rating: B-