Earlier this week, when the Milwaukee Bucks needed to create cap space to reinforce the roster, they surprisingly decided to release Damian Lillard from his contract. The news came as a shock, even to the nine-time All-Star who’s currently rehabbing the torn Achilles he suffered in the Bucks’ playoff run.
The Bucks needed to waive Lillard so they had enough money to pay Myles Turner, but sources suggest this move may have more to it than dollars and cents. It could have also stemmed in part from a disconnect between the Bucks and their star point guard.
According to NBA TV’s Chris Haynes, the Bucks wouldn’t even let Lillard return to his Portland home so he could be with his kids while he rehabbed his Achilles tear.
“Aaron Goodwin, Damian Lillard’s agent about a month ago reached out to the Bucks and informed them that Dame would like to rehab back home in Portland and stay with his kids…and I was told that some people within the Bucks did not approve of that”
Chris Haynes on Damian Lillard
It seems odd that the Bucks wouldn’t allow Lillard to rehab closer to home. If the Bucks wanted to ensure their relationship with Lillard was strong, one would think they’d go out of their way to provide him with everything he could possibly dream of. Yet, perhaps that’s why this relationship was never a good idea from the start.
Related: Minnesota Timberwolves impacted Myles Turner’s decision to leave Indiana Pacers for Milwaukee Bucks
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