Damian Lillard's Response After Bucks' Kyle Kuzma Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 7:19 AM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks management recently made the significant decision to assign jersey number 0 to Kyle Kuzma. This gesture shocked fans, who believed the number previously worn by Damian Lillard would remain unused after he was waived.

Lillard didn’t directly comment on the incident, but he did post a photo to his Instagram story showing himself holding the Portland Trail Blazers jersey bearing the No. 0, accompanied by a pointed caption.

"If I send u dis, jus kno I know where home at" It read.

Lillard went back to his former team after the Bucks incident, signing a three-year deal worth $42 million. He tore his Achilles tendon in a match against the Indiana Pacers back in April and is expected to sit out the whole season this year.

"He'll be back as good as ever, if you know anything about him," Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups said last week.

"This year, he'll be the highest-paid assistant coach in history. I'll be putting him to work every day." he added.

"I ain't gonna cry, but I don't usually be feeling like this.. I feel so happy on the inside."

Damian Lillard walking into the Blazers locker room again ❤️

(Via @trailblazers) pic.twitter.com/46HJPDAOVx
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 22, 2025

Meanwhile, the Bucks are aiming for title contention this year. Giannis Antetokounmpo is in his prime right now and expects to add another ring to his résumé. To do that, management took the step of waiving Lillard to create space for the Pacers’ Myles Turner.

After Kuzma joined in February, he played 33 games, averaging 14.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. But despite what appears to be a strong résumé, he failed to make any meaningful impact during the NBA Finals against the Pacers. His 0-overall stat line remains one of the most notable in history.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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