In a move that shocked the basketball world, the Milwaukee Bucks waived nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard, who will miss next season while recovering from torn Achilles surgery. Milwaukee used the stretch provision to spread his remaining $113 million contract over five years instead of paying it across the original two seasons.
The move allows the Bucks to acquire Myles Turner, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
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’s reaction to the waiver? He’s “elated,” reports The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
“He’ll be able to join the contending team of his choosing, either sometime soon or perhaps next summer, without the financial aspect of the decision playing a significant part,” Amick wrote.
Multiple contenders have already contacted Lillard, according to Amick. The veteran guard can either sign now and rehabilitate under a new team’s care or wait until next summer to evaluate his options.
“It’s a dream scenario for Lillard,” Amick noted. “Especially considering he might have been heading for a change of scenery even before his injury.”
Milwaukee acquired Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers before the 2023-24 season, hoping he and Giannis Antetokounmpo would deliver championships. Instead, the Bucks suffered first-round playoff exits in both seasons under head coach Doc Rivers.
Lillard averaged 24.6 points, seven assists and 4.5 rebounds across 131 games in Milwaukee, shooting 43.3% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range.
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