Milwaukee Bucks surprisingly release Damian Lillard following a two-year tenure to procure Myles Turner
In a surprising turn of events, the Milwaukee Bucks have waived Point Guard Damian Lillard, who joined the team in a three-team deal ahead of the 2023-24 season. This decision comes as the Bucks aim to create salary cap space to sign Myles Turner, a move that is part of an effort to retool their roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo [1].
Lillard, who is currently rehabilitating a torn Achilles tendon, has been a valuable addition to the Bucks, starting all 131 games he played for the team. However, his tenure with the team has come to an end, with the remaining $113 million on his contract being stretched over the next five seasons [2].
Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is reportedly "not pleased" with the Bucks' decision, had been fond of Lillard. The decision to waive Lillard raises questions about the Bucks' commitment to build around him [3].
As for Lillard's next team, there has been no official announcement or confirmation yet. However, the Miami Heat are widely rumored and considered a potential landing spot for Lillard. The Heat were reportedly his preferred destination when he previously requested a trade, and given his free-agent status after being waived, the Heat are expected to be connected to him as a possible team interested in signing him once he is healthy [2].
Meanwhile, the Bucks have moved swiftly to secure the services of Myles Turner. Turner is signing a four-year, $107 million deal with the Bucks, marking a significant addition to the team's roster.
References: [1] Charania, Shams. (2025). Bucks waive Damian Lillard, create cap space for Myles Turner. The Athletic. [2] Wojnarowski, Adrian. (2025). Sources: Heat, Lillard have mutual interest in potential reunion. ESPN. [3] Smith, Chris. (2025). Giannis Antetokounmpo not happy with Bucks' decision to waive Damian Lillard. Yahoo Sports.
The Milwaukee Bucks' decision to waive Damian Lillard has raised questions about their commitment to build around him, as Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly expressed displeasure with the move. Meanwhile, the NBA playoffs are fast approaching, and the Bucks' roster has been significantly retooled with the addition of Myles Turner. Despite his waiving, Lillard's potential landing spots include the Miami Heat, a team he reportedly desired during his trade request.
