
The Milwaukee Bucks’ recent decision to waive and stretch Damian Lillard’s contract over the next five years has sent ripples through the NBA community. Veteran sports analyst Skip Bayless, however, was not surprised by the move. Lillard, brought in as a co-star alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, failed to meet expectations due to a mix of injuries and chemistry issues. With Lillard set to miss the entire upcoming season, Milwaukee’s decision to part ways was seen as a necessary step to preserve their future.
Bayless highlighted that the Bucks were unable to recover the assets they sacrificed to acquire Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. By spreading out Lillard’s contract, Milwaukee managed to free up enough cap space to bring in Myles Turner, a player who offers a different skill set but is highly regarded in his position. This strategic swap aims to keep Antetokounmpo content and focused on championship aspirations.
The Giannis Factor
According to Bayless, the Bucks’ management is primarily concerned with maintaining Giannis Antetokounmpo’s satisfaction. Bayless stated on his show, “You know and I know Giannis signed off on this. In the end, all the Bucks management really cares about is keeping Giannis in Milwaukee. And obviously, Giannis did not love playing with Dame.” This sentiment is underscored by Antetokounmpo’s MVP-level performances during periods when Lillard was sidelined.
When Lillard joined the Bucks, he faced challenges adapting to his new role and environment. Despite being a nine-time All-Star, his integration into the team was not seamless. Nonetheless, his contributions were undeniable when healthy, as evidenced by his All-Star selections during his tenure with Milwaukee.
Championship Aspirations and Team Dynamics
For Antetokounmpo, regular-season success is insufficient. Having tasted championship victory in 2021, he is eager to reclaim that glory. At 30, he is in the prime of his career and focused on winning. Bayless remarked, “And when [Dame] and Giannis were on the floor together, that team just never had the look of a contender. Obviously, they didn’t win even one playoff series together in two years. They just never really clicked.”
With much of the Bucks’ championship core either departed or aging, the team recognized the necessity for change. The acquisition of Turner, alongside the departure of Brook Lopez, marks a shift towards a younger roster. The pressing question is whether this new lineup can overcome recent playoff disappointments.
Future Prospects for the Bucks
While Turner’s addition is a positive step, it alone may not be sufficient to propel Milwaukee back into title contention. The current roster, outside of Antetokounmpo and Turner, consists largely of inconsistent role players. The Bucks’ front office must leverage their newfound financial flexibility to bolster the team further if they hope to keep Antetokounmpo and return to the NBA’s elite.
As the Bucks navigate these changes, the focus remains on aligning their strategy with Antetokounmpo’s championship ambitions. The coming seasons will reveal whether these moves can restore Milwaukee to its former glory.