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Bucks Front Office Exec Talks Waiving Damian Lillard, Seeing Him Sign With Trail Blazers

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 1:34 PM ET

NBA reporter Keith Smith of Spotrac caught up with a Milwaukee Bucks exec at Summer League in Las Vegas and the two talked about Damian Lillard.

The Bucks waived Lillard, who signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.

“That was really, really hard. Dame is such a great player and we’re all thrilled that he landed back home in Portland,” the Bucks front office executive said. “It’s also hard to take that kind of cap hit in immovable salary for a long time. But when you have Giannis (Antetokounmpo), you have to be willing to do what it takes to win and maximize your time with him.”

Damian Lillard averaged 24.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists with the Bucks in 131 games in the regular season. He tore his left Achilles tendon in the 2025 playoffs and will miss all of next season.

Milwaukee waived and stretched Lillard, who was slated to make $113 million over the next two seasons with the Bucks. That amount will be stretched over the next five seasons.

A future Hall of Famer, Lillard will make $70 million next season from the Bucks and Trail Blazers. The veteran holds 17 Portland franchise records and gets to be around his children while he rehabs his left leg injury.

Lillard played in 58 games for the Bucks last season. He averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists while shooting 44.8% from the field, 37.6% from beyond the arc and 92.1% from the free-throw line.

A top 75 player of all time, Lillard has career averages of 25.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists with the Trail Blazers and Bucks. He’s fourth in NBA history in 3-point field goals.

Lillard has made nine All-Star teams and seven All-NBA teams. He won the 2012-13 Rookie of the Year Award with the Trail Blazers.