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Damian Lillard reacts to report that Giannis Antetokounmpo was aware of Myles Turner deal

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Barkley Truax | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 7:09 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to waive star point guard Damian Lillard in order for them to sign Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million contract is perhaps the most shocking move of the offseason so far. Lillard is now a free agent two years earlier than anticipated.

Speculation surrounding why the Bucks decided to cut the nine-time NBA All Star has made the rounds on social media. A report from ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne seems to suggest that Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo was aware that his team team was targeting the former Indiana Pacers standout. But does this mean that he knew that it meant his team had to waive Lillard in order to do it?

“I don’t know the answer to that, but he did know about Myles Turner coming,” Shelburne said on NBA Today. “I think he was excited about Myles Turner because he’s played against him. … Usually moves of that stature, it won’t take place until later in the offseason. People need to see how things settle.”

Lillard responded to the report with a meme from Nacho Libre. He doesn’t seem too thrilled with the knowledge that his former teammate knew about the roster change.

pic.twitter.com/QKtvshkECe
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 2, 2025

Speculation surrounding Antetokounmpo’s future with the organization has also been raised in recent months. Currently, the star big man still has three more seasons left on the contract he signed in 2023. Shelburne hinted that the move to sign Turner — which is coming off a run to Game 7 of the NBA Finals with the Indiana Pacers — is one to keep Antetokounmpo around long-term.

This leaves Lillard to unexpectedly face free agency while he recovers from his Achilles tear. Despite the possibility of missing the entire 2025-26 season, multiple reports state that several teams are looking to land his services, including the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers. However, this remains to be seen.

During the 2024-25 season, Lillard averaged 25.1 points, 6.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds for the Bucks. He started all 131 games he played during his two-year stint in Milwaukee. Lillard spent the first 11 years of his NBA career with the Portland Trail Blazers before arriving in Milwaukee ahead of the 2023-24 season.

At 34, the NBA veteran may look to round out his professional career with his new squad. Whether he signs a deal this offseason remains to be seen as he recovers from his injury. He’s still searching for his first NBA championship.

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

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