Damian Lillard isn’t too bothered by his Bucks release.
The Athletic reported Tuesday that the star point guard is “elated” that Milwaukee let him go, “allowing him to choose a contender of his choice without sacrificing money.”
The 34-year-old Lillard, who is sidelined with a torn Achilles tendon, had two years and roughly $122.6 million left on his deal.
Aaron Goodwin, Lillard’s agent, released a statement, via The Oregonian, echoing the same sentiment.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for Damian,” Goodwin said. “He receives all of his money guaranteed, and it provides him an opportunity to decide his next destination as an unrestricted free agent. He gets a chance to rehab at home if he chooses to, and be with his family and his kids for the next year. The goal is for him to take his time and make a decision on what his next destination will be.”
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The Bucks stretched Lillard’s deal over the next five seasons, paying him $22.5 million each year.
Lillard can now sign for a minimum-salary deal and still get his money from the Bucks.
The nine-time All-Star “received calls from several contending teams very quickly after the news of his Bucks’ ending broke,” per The Athletic.
NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is not happy about the franchise letting his running mate go.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard shoots a free throw during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic, March 8, 2025, in Milwaukee. AP
“He just didn’t like how it was handled,” Haynes said during a Tuesday appearance on NBA TV.
The Bucks used the Lillard money to sign Pacers center Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal.
Lillard is set to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season with his Achilles injury he suffered in the Bucks’ first-round playoff loss to the Pacers.
The Bucks acquired Lillard from the Trail Blazers in a blockbuster, three-team trade with the Suns in September 2023, dealing Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, a 2029 first-rounder and first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030 to Portland.
In two seasons, the Antetokounmpo and Lillard duo battled injuries and underwhelmed in the postseason, falling to the Pacers in the first round during both runs.
