Apr 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) during game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Damian Lillard Had No Idea Bucks Were Waiving Him Until News Was Released to Public

Originally posted on Milwaukee Bucks on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 2:15 PM ET

The biggest news of free agency so far has been the shocking news of the Milwaukee Bucks waiving and stretching Damian Lillard. They did so in order to sign Myles Turner to a four-year deal.

Lillard is still owed $113 million. Over the next five years, the Bucks will have a dead cap figure related to that salary. Meanwhile, Lillard is now free to sign with any team he wants.

Even though Lillard won't play next year because of a torn Achilles, this was still a stunning move. It's one that not even Lillard saw coming.

Apparently, Lillard found out he was being waived at the same time that everyone else did. According to NBA Insider Chris Haynes, he was not given advanced notice.

"He was surprised..[The Bucks] did not tell Dame that this was coming...I was told that Dame found out about his situation just like everybody else found out."

— Chris Haynes on Damian Lillard.

(h/t @ClutchPoints)

pic.twitter.com/3PVeMqoUCH
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 1, 2025

"He was surprised, he was surprised. The Bucks did recently go out to Portland to meet with Dame, but they did not tell Dame this was coming. He had no clue about that, as well. I was told that Dame found out about his situation just like everybody else found out."

It's a little surprising that the Bucks didn't give him some kind of heads-up while they were meeting him. Instead, he found out that he was becoming a free agent for the first time in his career the way everyone else did.

Lillard will now have plenty of time to figure out what team he wants to sign with next. He likely won't play next year as he recovers from the torn Achilles he suffered in the playoffs.

More Bucks news: Myles Turner Move Could Become Long-Term Problem for the Bucks

The Bucks made this decision as a way to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo as happy as possible. They are hoping that adding Turner will signal to him that they are trying everything they can to win a title.

Lillard will get to pick which team he plays for next, and it likely will be a contender. He is going to attack his rehab this summer to show the Bucks that they made the wrong decision.

More Milwaukee Bucks news: Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo Reacts to Shocking Roster Moves

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This article first appeared on Milwaukee Bucks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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