According to ESPN, the Milwaukee Bucks waived Damian Lillard to make room for Myles Turner. As a result, the All-Star guard’s NBA future remains unclear. This is being considered as shocking move that stunned the basketball world. The Bucks waived seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard following their acquisition of center Myles Turner, marking a major shift in their roster strategy.
The Bucks made a tough call, waiving Lillard just weeks after a disappointing season. This move ties into a defensive rebuild of Bucks, who new head coach Darvin Ham will lead.
The team released Lillard to clear space for Turner’s $20 million salary alongside other contracts. The decision also cut short a turbulent one-year stint for Lillard in Milwaukee.
Damian Lillard’s Sudden Exit from the Bucks
In 2023, Bucks traded Damian Lillard from Portland. However, he struggled to find rhythm and chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite averaging 24.3 points and 7 assists, the Bucks fell short of their title goals.
The reason behind Damian’s sudden exit is to free cap space through the stretch provision, enabling the acquisition of Myles Turner.
Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to cut Damian Lillard from their roster is one of the most shocking moves in recent NBA history by a team.
ESPN’s NBA Today panel discussed this decision, underscoring the Bucks transition to a more defensive mindset with a new approach. Also with Brook Lopez aging, the Bucks made vulnerable decision. Miles Turner’s shot blocking and ability to stretch the floor would be a better long-term fit.
Damian Lillard Likely to Miss Major Time in 2025-26 Season
Damian Lillard may be sidelined for a major chunk or even the entirety of the 2025-26 season. While the Bucks haven’t confirmed a timeline yet, signs point to a long recovery ahead. Lillard went down in the first quarter of Milwaukee’s Game 4 loss to the Pacers on April 27.
He had already missed Game 1 and then lasted 14 games of the regular season with a blood clot in his calf the same problem that ended his playoffs early. Despite all that, Lillard still averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 58 games last season, his second with the Bucks.
Before Milwaukee, he played 11 unforgettable years in Portland. Over 900 games of the regular season Lillard averages 25.1 points and made 2,804 three-pointers — fourth-most in NBA history.
What’s Next for Damian Lillard?
With all this Bucks and Turner drama, the question remains the same. What is it for Damian Lillard? Well, Damian is heading to rehab for a torn Achilles injury. Now that Bucks laid him off, Lillard is an unrestricted free agent. He will be paid in full through a stretch provision but will have flexibility to choose his next stop after being recovered.
Top Potential Destinations for Damian Lillard after recovery are:-
| Team | Cap and Challenges |
|---|---|
| Miami Heat | Can stay under second apron by offloading Lowry or Robinson |
| Golden State Warriors | Tight cap space; may require trading Chris Paul or Wiggins |
| Los Angeles Lakers | Very limited cap space; needs sign-and-trade or wait until 2026 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Could involve sign-and-trade for Maxey; roster fit changes |
| Portland Trail Blazers | Not focused on contending; currently rebuilding |
