The Milwaukee Bucks have caused quite a stir in the NBA with their unexpected offseason decision to waive nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard. This major move aims to create salary cap space for newly signed Myles Turner, who has secured a four-year contract worth $107 million.
Just in: The Milwaukee Bucks are waiving Damian Lillard and stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract in order to acquire Myles Turner, sources tell ESPN. Lillard’s two seasons in Milwaukee come to an end as he rehabilitates a torn Achilles tendon. pic.twitter.com/eg1D1TMFM6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
Lillard had recently undergone surgery for a torn left Achilles tendon, which is projected to sideline him for a significant part—if not all—of the 2025-26 season. At 35 years old, the team deemed it necessary to part ways with the veteran guard.
This decision, however, sparked discontent among some within the organization. Star player Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed his bewilderment on social media, sharing a photo from his 2021 championship run and captioning it: “I don’t even know what’s going on right now, man.”
Giannis posted this shortly before the Dame news broke 😬👀
Is he staying in Milwaukee? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Po3I0LapGd
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 1, 2025
According to senior NBA insider Chris Haynes, Giannis might be frustrated with how the situation was handled, signaling potential tension between him and the Bucks’ front office.
BREAKING: Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is not pleased with the team’s decision to waive Damian Lillard, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/NGqJIWRQeq
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 1, 2025
This news follows Giannis’ prior remarks regarding his future, indicating he was weighing his options about remaining in Milwaukee. Shams Charania of ESPN remarked, “It’s still wait and see. Giannis Antetokounmpo was open-minded about whether his best fit is in Milwaukee or elsewhere. I have not felt a shift from that mentality.”
When Lillard was transferred to the Bucks from the Trail Blazers in a blockbuster three-team trade ahead of the 2023-2024 season, there were considerable expectations for the franchise. The team gave away key players, including Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen, along with multiple draft picks to secure Lillard.
Over his two seasons in Milwaukee, Lillard averaged 24.6 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds, but injuries impacted the team’s performance, leading to first-round playoff exits in both 2024 and 2025.
Despite the Bucks now stretching Lillard’s remaining $113 million contract over the next five seasons, his departure opens the door for numerous potential suitors eyeing the talented seasoned player on the market.
