In one of the most unexpected moves of the 2025 NBA offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks have waived superstar guard Damian Lillard, just two seasons after acquiring him in a blockbuster trade. The decision, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, sent shockwaves through the league and signals a dramatic shift in Milwaukee’s roster-building strategy.
Lillard, who turns 35 later this month, is currently recovering from a torn left Achilles tendon suffered during Game 4 of the Bucks’ first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. The injury is expected to sideline him for most, if not all, of the 2025–26 season. Rather than carry his $113 million contract through the final three years, the Bucks opted to use the NBA’s stretch provision, spreading the financial hit over five seasons to create immediate cap flexibility.
That flexibility was used swiftly. Milwaukee has signed free-agent center Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal, filling the void left by Brook Lopez, who departed for the Clippers earlier in the week. Turner, coming off a standout season with the Pacers that included a trip to the NBA Finals, brings elite rim protection and floor spacing, two traits the Bucks have long valued alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The decision to waive Lillard is as much about timing as it is about talent. While Lillard averaged 24.9 points and shot 37.6% from three last season, his injury and age raised concerns about long-term viability. With Antetokounmpo still in his prime and the Eastern Conference growing more competitive, Milwaukee appears determined to retool quickly rather than wait for Lillard’s recovery.
Lillard’s exit ends a brief but eventful chapter in Milwaukee. He arrived in 2023 with championship expectations, forming a dynamic duo with Antetokounmpo. But injuries, chemistry issues, and early playoff exits kept the Bucks from reaching their full potential. Now, with Turner in the fold and several key role players re-signed, including Bobby Portis and Gary Trent Jr., the Bucks are betting on a more balanced, defensively sound roster to keep their title window open.
As for Lillard, his future is uncertain. He’ll be paid the remainder of his contract over five years, but his next team, and whether he’ll return to All-Star form, remains to be seen.
