Who would've thunk the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks would become strange bedfellows this offseason? The Pacers could've very well kept franchise mainstay Myles Turner following their run to Game 7 of the NBA Finals, but Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles injury has seemingly led them to punting on next season and avoiding the luxury tax while their point guard recovers. The Bucks didn't seem to have any route to improve while Damian Lillard, their aging point guard, recovered from the same exact injury, and while facing the loud ticking clock known as Giannis Antetokounmpo. Somehow, the Bucks found a way toacquire Turnerwith cap space they didn't have by using the stretch provision on Lillard,waiving himand the remaining $113 million on his contact that was slated to last for the next two years. Now that money will be evenly distributed as a salary cap hit for the next five years at $22 million, creating the opening for the 30-year-old Turner. Lillard knew something was coming, sources told Yahoo Sports, believing a trade was in the works and not this development. He can sign with a team if he chooses, perhaps for the minimum because any money he signs for will be offset by what the Bucks owe him. Or he can continue to rehab with his physical therapist, who wasn't a team employee. Remember, Lillard wanted Miami when exiting Portland before the Bucks swooped in, and after dealing with a blood clot then returning for the Bucks' first-round series, he tore his Achilles — an unfortunate turn of developments. But what does this mean for Antetokounmpo? He just had another stellar season — which we almost take for granted at this point — averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.2 blocks. He's turning 31 in December, and the Bucks have had more coaches (three) since winning a championship in 2021 than playoff series wins (one), thus creating a constant state of urgency. [Get more Bucks news: Bucks team feed] It's led to every move the franchise has made in the last five years. Trading for Jrue Holiday in 2020 led to the 2021 triumph, as well as Antetokounmpo re-signing with the Bucks. Trading Holiday for Lillard two years ago hasn't been so successful, but the extension Antetokounmpo signed in the wake of that trade will kick in this season. He's under contract until 2027-28, when he has a player option for $62.7 million. But he can press the "trade me" button at any point if he feels the Bucks aren't in position to compete for a championship. The developments in the Eastern Conference are as follows: Haliburton's injury, Jayson Tatum's injury and subsequent Celtics teardown, and Knicks uncertainty. In theory, had the Bucks not been dealing with Lillard's career-altering injury, they could've convinced themselves 2025-26 would be the year to make a run through a ravaged conference anyway, but Lillard going down changed everything. The Bucks have mortgaged more of their future in using the provision, even as it created the opening for Turner. Turner can help Antetokounmpo defensively with his mobility and shot-blocking, as well as spacing the floor. He was critical in doing that for Haliburton and the Pacers' pace-and-spread offense. But is it enough to satisfy Antetokounmpo? According to a report, he's not happy with the Bucks waiving Lillard. But why would the Bucks make such a move with long-lasting effects without consulting the player they're doing it all for? It's hard to imagine general manager Jon Horst and that front office only letting Antetokounmpo in on half the plan. That would be franchise malpractice and practically unethical in dealing with the franchise player. Lillard wouldn't have been able to help the Bucks on the floor next season anyway, so the money was a sunk cost. And it's clear the Bucks have no intention of just allowing Antetokounmpo to stew in unhappiness when he's appeared to look for reasons to stay as opposed to leaving. The Bucks retained Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. along with bringing in Gary Harris as a free agent from Orlando. Kyle Kuzma is on the books for two more years after being brought in for veteran Khris Middleton, but had a disastrous first round against the Pacers. Does Horst have another move in place to bring on a point guard or take a swing on some of the vets in free agency like Russell Westbrook or Spencer Dinwiddie? For the Pacers, they're now stripped down and face an uncertain future, partially of their own choosing. For the Bucks, they keep trying and face an uncertain present, partially of their own choosing.
