Myles Turner’s Contract Stalemate Leaves the Bucks in Rebuilding Limbo

The Milwaukee Bucks entered the 2025-26 offseason by signing former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million contract. The move was intended to preserve the team’s championship window around Giannis Antetokounmpo. One year later, with Antetokounmpo traded to the Miami Heat, the Bucks have been unable to move Turner.

Sports IllustratedMyles Turner has a rare chance to take control of his narrative in Year 2 with the Bucks

Turner’s contract was financed by waiving and stretching Damian Lillard, a maneuver that gave Milwaukee the cap flexibility to add the veteran big man. At the time, Turner was viewed as a floor-spacing, rim-protecting complement to the two-time MVP. The expectation was that his presence would convince Antetokounmpo to remain in Milwaukee. Instead, the partnership produced modest on-court results and ultimately did not prevent Antetokounmpo’s departure.

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• Turner averaged 11.9 points and 5.3 rebounds in his first season with the Bucks.

Myles Turner has a rare chance to take control of his narrative in Year 2 with the Bucks

• In the 2025-26 campaign he posted a career-low 44 % field-goal percentage and recorded the fewest points per game of his 11-year NBA career.

Myles Turner has a rare chance to take control of his narrative in Year 2 with the Bucks

• He attempted the fewest two-point field goals per game of his career, relying heavily on three-point attempts in a system that used him primarily as a floor spacer.

Myles Turner has a rare chance to take control of his narrative in Year 2 with the Bucks

The analysis suggested that a trade could involve the Bucks receiving draft capital or expiring contracts in return.

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The Los Angeles Clippers, according to a Sports Illustrated report, have been identified as a potential destination. The Clippers’ front office is said to view Turner’s $28 million-per-year average salary as a “bad contract” that could be leveraged for future assets while filling a need at center. Proposed packages mentioned include a combination of Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, and Brook Lopez or, alternatively, Max Strus and Isaiah Jackson, with the Bucks possibly adding a first-round pick or a young player such as Kasparas Jakucionis, Kel’el Ware, or Ousmane Dieng.

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Turner’s contract occupies a significant portion of Milwaukee’s salary cap, limiting flexibility as the team rebuilds around emerging players. Without a trade, the Bucks must either retain Turner for the remaining three years or absorb a salary that hampers the acquisition of draft picks and younger assets. Conversely, a successful trade could provide the Bucks with valuable draft capital and align their payroll with a younger, more adaptable roster.

Myles Turner has a rare chance to take control of his narrative in Year 2 with the Bucks

Publicly available information confirms that no trade partner has emerged, but concrete offers have not been disclosed. The extent of the Clippers’ interest and the precise terms of any potential deal remain unverified.

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• “The bad news: They haven't yet found a take for Myles Turner, who was signed to a four-year, $107 million contract last summer in a failed attempt to appease Antetokounmpo,” — Ben Golliver — Ben Golliver, ESPN analyst

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*Key dates referenced in the coverage:* November 10 2025 (Giannis Antetokounmpo celebrating with Turner in Dallas), March 19 2026 (Turner waiting to play in Utah), and March 28 2026 (Turner shooting against the San Antonio Spurs in Milwaukee).

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