Myles Turner is about to become teammates with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Damian Lillard now has the chance to pick his next spot.
And just like that, the first full day of NBA free agency brought big surprises Tuesday.
Turner — the longtime stalwart for the Indiana Pacers — agreed to a four-year deal to join the Milwaukee Bucks, who waived nine-time All-Star Lillard to make the acquisition happen, a person with knowledge of the moves told The Associated Press.
Turner is agreeing to a deal that ends with a player option after spending his first 10 seasons with the Indiana Pacers, who went to the NBA Finals this past season. And the remaining $112.6 million owed to Lillard will be paid out over the next five seasons via the NBA’s stretch provision, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because neither move was announced by the teams involved.
ESPN, which first reported the plan by the Pacers and Bucks, said Turner agreed to a contract worth $107 million.
In both cases, Achilles tendon injuries played a role in the surprising moves.
The Pacers expect to be without star guard Tyrese Haliburton for all of next season because he ruptured his Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder while playing through what was diagnosed as a calf strain. And earlier in the playoffs, Lillard ruptured his Achilles tendon while playing for the Bucks in Round 1 against the Pacers.
Lillard also is likely to miss most, if not all, of the coming season. He will be free to sign with anyone he chooses, and teams could simply sign him now, give him a chance to continue his recovery and do so with hope that the seven-time All-NBA selection is fully ready to go by the start of the 2026-27 season.
“This is an opportunity for Damian to stay home to continue his rehabilitation, take time to decide where he wants to play next, while still being paid his entire contract,” said Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin.
Turner averaged 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds in his 10 seasons with the Pacers, who had a decision to make this summer about whether to surpass the luxury tax threshold with the knowledge that Haliburton likely cannot play next season.
Lillard, who turns 35 this month, has averaged 25.1 points and 6.7 assists in 900 regular-season games over 13 seasons — the first 11 with the Portland Trail Blazers, the last two with the Bucks.
The Bucks lost Brook Lopez to the Los Angeles Clippers when free agency opened Monday.
Heat trading Robinson to Pistons
Duncan Robinson, the leading 3-point shooter in Miami Heat history, is headed back to Michigan for the next step of his career.
A person with knowledge of the agreement said the Detroit Pistons will land Robinson on a three-year, $48 million contract and the Heat will receive wing Simone Fontecchio in a sign-and-trade.
Robinson started his college career at Division III Williams in Massachusetts before finishing at Michigan. He was an undrafted success story with the Heat, part of the 2020 and 2023 teams that went to the NBA Finals.
Schröder to Kings
Veteran point guard and German Olympic team member Dennis Schröder has agreed to join the Sacramento Kings on a three-year deal, the third of which is not fully guaranteed, a person with knowledge of that agreement said Tuesday. ESPN reported the total value of the deal is $45 million.
Schröder, who is entering his 13th NBA season, is joining his 10th team — and ninth in the last seven years. He spent his first five seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, then has been with the Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers (twice), Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors and Pistons at various times over the last seven seasons.
He has averaged 13.9 points and 4.9 assists in 849 regular-season games.
Tim Hardaway Jr. joining Nuggets
Sharpshooting wing Tim Hardaway Jr. will sign a one-year contract with the Denver Nuggets, a person familiar with the player’s plans said Tuesday.
Hardaway spent last season with the Pistons and averaged 11 points in 77 games as a starter. The Nuggets will become his fifth team. He also has been with the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Hawks.
Poeltl remains with Raptors
Center Jakob Poeltl will get a raise and some job security in a contract extension that keeps him with the Raptors, a person familiar with that agreement confirmed Tuesday. Poeltl will be finalizing a four-year deal worth about $26 million per year — about $7 million more on average than what he was in line to make next season.
Poeltl, a career 63% shooter, is coming off a season in which he averaged career bests of 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds.
Gordon stays with 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers announced Tuesday night that guard Eric Gordon has re-signed with the team. Because it’s a veteran minimum contract, there was no need for the 76ers to wait until the offseason moratorium is lifted Sunday to announce the deal.
“Eric is a prolific shot maker whose ability to space the floor will serve our rotation well. He’s been a great fit on and off the court with this organization and we’re fortunate to have him back,” 76ers basketball operations president Daryl Morey said.
Gordon averaged 6.8 points in 39 games last season. He is entering his 18th NBA season.
