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Damian Lillard is 'elated' by being waived

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By Titan Frey | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 12:36 AM ET

Damian Lillard has been waived by the Milwaukee Bucks. This occurred as the Bucks signed Myles Turner in free agency.

Lillard was released and to most, they saw this as disrespectful. To Lillard, he is actually “elated” by the move.

Damian Lillard is reportedly ‘elated’ by the Bucks’ decision to waive him, per @sam_amick

“From the frustrations that came with the on-court fit to Lillard struggling at times while away from his children, it was no secret that Lillard wasn’t long for Milwaukee. Now, he leaves… pic.twitter.com/qvrbXnPiq2

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 1, 2025

According to The Athletic, being waived “puts [Lillard] in the kind of basketball-first position that few All-Star-level players, if any, have experienced in league history. In short, he’ll be able to join the contending team of his choosing, either sometime soon or perhaps next summer, without the financial aspect of the decision playing a significant part.”

Lillard’s new situation

Lillard certainly does find himself in a strange but good situation. He can take his time picking where he wants to go, which will be a contender, without having to worry much about money.

Also, Lillard never wanted to go to Milwaukee. He wanted to join the Miami Heat and if that wasn’t possible, the San Antonio Spurs were another option.

Since the news broke of Lillard being waived, multiple contending teams reached out to Lillard, showing their interest. The Heat were one of those teams.

The Heat — this is no surprise — are expected to have interest in Damian Lillard, who very surprisingly now holds a lot of cards he didn't expect to hold.

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) July 1, 2025