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Milwaukee Bucks: Damian Lillard Reportedly 'Elated' with Team’s Decision to Waive Him

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 12:07 AM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks, for the second time in three years, have made a surprising roster move involving Damian Lillard that shocked the NBA world. Just ahead of the 2023-24 season, they traded Jrue Holiday for Lillard, pairing him with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the hopes that the duo would contend for an NBA Championship together.

Alas, that did not happen. Injuries to Giannis two years ago and Lillard’s blood clots and torn Achilles this year kept the Bucks from exiting the first round of the NBA Playoffs as they saw themselves eliminated by the hated Indiana Pacers in both seasons.

And now, as NBA free agency began, Milwaukee made the decision to waive Lillard, swallowing over $110 million in guaranteed salary in order to create space to give former Pacers center Myles Turner a four-year $107 million contract.

Damian Lillard Is Elated that the Milwaukee Bucks Waived Him

Milwaukee Bucks: Damian Lillard Reportedly Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) looks on in the first quarter during game four against the Indiana Pacers of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Lillard left the game early in the in the first quarter with an injury. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Make no mistake: Lillard was happy to play with Giannis in Milwaukee and he gave everything he had to the team. But the fact of the matter is that playing for the Bucks meant months spent away from his children, who live on the West Coast.

And it is no secret that being away from them was hard on the nine-time All-Star.

Which is why it should come as no surprise that a recent report by Sam Amick of The Athletic reveals that Lillard was “elated” that Milwaukee decided to waive him:

“League sources say Lillard is elated with this decision, as it puts him 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.

“As The Athletic reported in early May, Lillard and the Bucks were likely going to discuss whether he wanted to remain with the team after last season. 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 with a level of freedom not often seen in pro sports.”

Again, it is not that Lillard had or has any ill will towards the Bucks or Milwaukee. However, it was clear that he and Giannis did not mesh as well as many thought they would. The strain of being away from his family, as mentioned, also made the last two seasons less than ideal for the future Hall of Famer.

And so, by waiving him, the Bucks actually did what was right by Lillard. Now he has the chance to rehab on his own terms and sign with a new NBA team that is closer to his children.

Milwaukee, meanwhile, found the financial wiggle room to add Turner, who will be a key piece on the team for the next three-to-four years.

It was a win-win situation for both parties.