The Bucks waived Damian Lillard on Tuesday morning, ending the guard’s two years with the organization.
Milwaukee’s decision came minutes after agreeing to a four-year, $107 million deal with center Myles Turner, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. To make the Turner signing possible, the remaining $113 million owed to Lillard is being stretched out.
Lillard suffered a torn Achilles tendon against the Pacers during this season’s NBA playoffs. The injury is expected to sideline the point guard for most, if not all, of the upcoming 2025-26 campaign. Still, this move by Milwaukee comes as a massive surprise. The Bucks acquired Lillard from the Trail Blazers in 2023 as part of a massive three-team trade, giving up Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, and multiple draft picks.
On paper, signing Turner should improve the Bucks heading into the 2025-26 season. However, NBA insider Chris Haynes is reporting that franchise cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo is “not pleased” with the decision to waive Lillard. The two-time MVP’s future has been a hot topic throughout the offseason. Should the Greek Freak demand a trade, things could get messy in Milwaukee.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, the Bucks currently have the NBA’s 14th-best odds of winning a title (+4000).
What’s next for Lillard?
As previously mentioned, Lillard is not expected to recover before the end of the upcoming NBA season. That leaves the nine-time All-Star with time to choose his next team, potentially remaining unemployed until next summer.
Despite suffering a major injury, there are sure to be several suitors for Lillard’s services. When healthy, the 34-year-old remains one of the association’s best scorers. In Milwaukee, Dame averaged 24.6 points, 7.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 43.4% from the field.
As of Tuesday morning, there’s no indication as to whether Lillard will sign now or in the future. If the guard opts to sign immediately, it would have to be a multi-year ‘prove-it’ deal. In a salary-cap league such as the NBA, it’s difficult to guarantee serious money to a player that won’t contribute this season.
Lillard’s situation will be one to monitor. Several big-market suitors, such as the Lakers and Heat, are sure to have interest. Even a return to Portland, while unlikely, can’t be ruled out. Until more news is reported, the future Hall of Famer’s next landing spot will remain a mystery.
