The Milwaukee Bucks entered free agency under significant pressure to deliver a summer that would satisfy their global superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo — especially amid reports that he's been considering his future, including the possibility of a trade.
They kicked things off by re-signing key contributors such as Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., and Taurean Prince. But the Bucks made their biggest move on Tuesday, signing former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal — a significant addition to the roster. Moments later, however, came an unexpected twist.
In order to afford Turner’s contract, the Bucks made the surprising decision to waive-and-stretch Damian Lillard. The move means Lillard will be released, with the remainder of his contract — originally worth far more — now spread out at $22 million over the next five years.
The decision has sparked widespread reaction, particularly surrounding how Antetokounmpo would respond. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the two-time MVP is reportedly "not pleased" with the team’s choice to move on from Lillard, who had suffered a season-ending torn Achilles during the Bucks’ playoff series against the Pacers.
BREAKING: Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is not pleased with the team’s decision to waive Damian Lillard, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/NGqJIWRQeq
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 1, 2025
Lillard is expected to miss the entire 2025–26 season, a factor that clearly influenced the Bucks’ decision to stretch his contract.
The move gives Milwaukee added financial flexibility to make roster upgrades in an effort to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy — especially in an Eastern Conference that suddenly feels wide open following major injuries to stars Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, both of whom are expected to miss the entire season.
Now, with reports that Antetokounmpo is “not pleased” with the decision to waive Lillard, the question becomes whether he’ll take action and potentially request a trade — or stay the course and try to build something with this retooled Bucks roster, which now features a significant upgrade at center in Myles Turner, who played a key role in the Pacers’ recent NBA Finals run.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!