Damian Lillard 'Ecstatic' To Have Been Waived By Milwaukee Bucks; Giannis Unhappy: Report

Last Updated:July 03, 2025, 18:27 IST

The Milwaukee Bucks are waiving Damian Lillard, recovering from Achilles surgery, and signing Myles Turner. Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the team is now uncertain.

Damian Lillard was waived by the Bucks in an unprecedented move, to bring in Turner from the Pacers (X)

The Milwaukee Bucks are parting ways with nine-time All-Star guard Damian Lillard and bringing in free-agent center Myles Turner, according to a report from ESPN on Tuesday.

Lillard, who is currently recovering from Achilles tendon surgery performed in May, will be waived under the NBA’s “stretch and release" provision. The Bucks will spread the remaining $113 million on his contract over the next five seasons, giving them additional financial flexibility under the terms of the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The decision to release Lillard reportedly did not sit well with franchise cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. The move raises further questions about Giannis’s future with the team, as trade rumors involving the two-time MVP continue to circulate this offseason.

Meanwhile, ESPN reports that Lillard himself was “ecstatic" about the decision, viewing it as a chance to reset and pursue “significant financial opportunities" in free agency. Lillard is expected to become a free agent again in two years.

Antetokounmpo’s Future in Question

Antetokounmpo, who has spent his entire 12-year NBA career in Milwaukee, is now a hot topic in trade discussions. Multiple teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks, are reportedly monitoring the situation closely in the event the Bucks decide to initiate a rebuild.

Veteran center Myles Turner is heading to Milwaukee on a four-year, $107 million deal, ESPN reported. The contract includes a player option for the 2028–29 season and a 15 percent trade kicker, which would reward Turner with a bonus if he’s dealt during the life of the contract.

Uncertain Road Ahead for Lillard

Set to turn 35 on July 15, Lillard faces a challenging recovery from his Achilles injury. While no official timetable has been released, early indications suggest he could miss a significant portion—if not all—of the 2025–26 season.

Before his injury, Lillard appeared in 58 games during his second year with the Bucks, averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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News sports Damian Lillard 'Ecstatic' To Have Been Waived By Milwaukee Bucks; Giannis Unhappy: Report