Day two of NBA Free Agency proved to be a whirlwind, marked by unexpected decisions and high-stakes maneuvers across the league. While stars secured lucrative extensions, one move, in particular, sent ripples through the Eastern Conference: the Milwaukee Bucks` dramatic decision regarding Damian Lillard.
Milwaukee Makes a Bold, Costly Choice
The Milwaukee Bucks, aiming to retool around Giannis Antetokounmpo, executed perhaps the most surprising move by waiving veteran guard Damian Lillard using the stretch provision. This wasn`t a simple parting of ways. The move is financially substantial and carries significant risk, especially considering Lillard`s recent Achilles injury during the postseason. Milwaukee is now obligated to pay the remaining $113 million on his contract, spread across their salary cap at approximately $22.5 million annually for the next five years. A hefty price tag to move on from a player whose post-injury future remains a question mark.
The cap flexibility gained from this bold gamble immediately paid off, allowing the Bucks to secure center Myles Turner on a four-year, $107 million deal. Turner had widely been expected to re-sign with the Indiana Pacers, making his acquisition by Milwaukee a notable coup. The hope in Milwaukee is that Turner can provide the defensive anchor and floor spacing needed to complement Giannis and form a more formidable frontcourt. In addition to landing Turner, Milwaukee also added veteran guard Gary Harris and center Jericho Sims. They also engaged in a trade, sending Pat Connaughton and two future second-round picks to Charlotte in exchange for guard Vasilije Micic.
Supermax Deals and Roster Reinforcements
Meanwhile, celebrations continued in Oklahoma City, where MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander solidified his long-term commitment. Following a championship season, SGA signed a supermax extension, a four-year, $285 million deal tying him to the Thunder through the 2030-31 season. This ensures the face of the franchise remains in OKC for the foreseeable future.
The defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, also remained active, demonstrating their intent goes beyond cap management after the Cam Johnson operation. They bolstered their frontcourt by acquiring veteran center Jonas Valanciunas from Sacramento in exchange for Dario Saric. Valanciunas is expected to provide valuable depth behind Nikola Jokic. Denver also secured experienced wing Tim Hardaway Jr., adding reliable scoring and veteran presence to their bench.
Notable Signings and Missed Opportunities
Around the league, several other teams made significant moves. In New York, the Knicks added depth to their bench, securing guard Jordan Clarkson after his buyout from Utah and signing French forward Guerschon Yabusele to a two-year, $12 million contract.
The Los Angeles Lakers appeared to be in the market for a center but saw several targets head elsewhere, including Brook Lopez (who joined the Clippers) and Clint Capela (now with the Rockets). Luke Kornet also signed a significant four-year, $41 million deal with the Spurs. The Lakers are reportedly favorites to land Deandre Ayton, recently released by Portland. Whether his skillset is an ideal fit alongside their core remains a topic of discussion.
Sacramento made headlines by signing guard Dennis Schroder to a three-year, $45 million deal. They also added center Drew Eubanks, who had previously been linked to potential Italian naturalization due to family ties, adding frontcourt depth.
Free Agency Day Two delivered unexpected twists and turns, with teams making significant investments and calculated risks to shape their rosters for the seasons ahead. The NBA offseason continues to live up to its reputation for drama.
