“Not a gamble” – Damian Lillard dismisses risk talk amid free agency after being waived by Milwaukee Bucks

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“Not a gamble” – Damian Lillard dismisses risk talk amid free agency after being waived by Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard. Image via: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Damian Lillard has found himself in unfamiliar territory as he is on the free agent market for the first time in his legacy-enriched NBA career. The Milwaukee Bucks waived the nine-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA guard this week, ending his brief, injury-marred stint with the team.

While Lillard continues to recover from a torn Achilles, Lillard clarified that he’s not lacking confidence or suitors. Despite questions about his future, several championship contenders are already circling. In a recent post on X, Lillard defended his prowess as a dominant NBA superstar and sent a message to the teams looking to sign him, saying that he is far from the “gamble” tag.

Damian Lillard defends his value after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks

The former Milwaukee Bucks guard, Damian Lillard, has recently addressed the narrative that signing him could be seen as a gamble.

Taking to social media, Lillard stated plainly, “If they call it a ‘gamble’ at this stage… tell em this the jackpot. #ToBeContinued.” Lillard asserted that his presence is still a game-changer, injury or not.

Lillard, who tore his Achilles in Game 4 of Milwaukee’s first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, is expected to miss significant time next season, potentially the entire year. However, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Lillard is not closing the door on playing in 2025–26 if the right situation presents itself.

“Sources: Free agent star Damian Lillard is open to signing with a team this offseason under the right terms and conditions as he continues rehabbing.

He is receiving ample interest, but is in no rush to make a decision,” Haynes shared on X.

The Bucks used the stretch provision to waive the remaining $113 million on Lillard’s contract, creating the cap space to sign former Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal.

As a result, per Bleacher Report, Milwaukee will now pay Lillard $22.5 million per year over the next five seasons, not to play for them.Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game last season while shooting 44.8% from the field and 37.6% from three in 58 games. Those numbers prove he was still among the league’s top guards before the injury.Also Read: Free agent Jabari Walker inks two-way deal with Philadelphia 76ers after 188 games with Trail BlazersOf course, there will be a few teams looking to strike a deal with the veteran NBA star, and as for the “gamble” tag is concerned, when he’s healthy, he can be lethal on the court. Now, it would be interesting to see where Lillard would land.

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