In a dramatic offseason twist, the Milwaukee Bucks have waived nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard, clearing $103 million from their books to finalize a reported $107 million deal with center Myles Turner. After a short-lived run marred by injury—including a torn Achilles and a recent battle with deep vein thrombosis—Lillard now enters free agency unexpectedly. The sudden Damian Lillard injury exit and Turner’s arrival mark a sharp shift in Milwaukee’s game plan, turning headlines and stirring curiosity across the league and fans alike.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
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Damian Lillard waived by Milwaukee Bucks just one season after high-profile trade.
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Remaining $103 million on Lillard’s contract to be stretched over several years.
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Bucks agree to $107 million Myles Turner contract, signaling frontcourt priority.
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Damian Lillard injury to Achilles tendon expected to sideline him for 2025-26 season.
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Lillard had returned from deep vein thrombosis earlier in the 2025 playoffs.
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Ranked 10th in NBA in scoring (24.9 PPG) and assists (7.1 APG) during 2024-25 season.
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Lillard’s free agency now adds a new twist to the NBA offseason landscape.
In a bold and unexpected offseason development, the Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly chosen to part ways with nine-time All-Star guard Damian Lillard, waiving the veteran just one season after acquiring him in a blockbuster trade from the Portland Trail Blazers. The move, while surprising, appears to be financially motivated as the Bucks look to reshape their roster for the future.
Multiple reports confirm that the organization has opted to waive and stretch the remaining $103 million on Lillard’s contract. This strategic decision clears significant cap space to facilitate the signing of free-agent center Myles Turner, who is said to have agreed to a $107 million deal with the Bucks. The Myles Turner contract marks a significant frontcourt investment and signals a notable shift in Milwaukee’s long-term roster strategy.
Lillard, who spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Trail Blazers, joined the Bucks ahead of the 2023-24 season with championship aspirations. His arrival in Milwaukee was viewed as a major upgrade to the team’s backcourt and a powerful addition alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, the partnership was short-lived and interrupted by a series of health issues, ultimately culminating in a devastating Damian Lillard injury during the 2025 playoffs.
The 34-year-old guard suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Game 4 of the Bucks’ first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, a blow that abruptly ended his postseason and is now expected to sideline him for the entire 2025-26 campaign. The timing of the Damian Lillard injury could not have been more unfortunate — especially considering the comeback story that preceded it.
Just before the playoffs, Lillard had made headlines for a remarkably swift return from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf. The condition, which involves abnormal blood clots blocking circulation, forced him to miss the final 14 games of the regular season. Following a period on blood-thinning medication, he was cleared for full basketball activity and returned to action in Game 2 of the playoff series. He played in three games total before suffering the Achilles tear.
Despite these health challenges, Damian Lillard maintained elite form when available. During the 2024-25 regular season, he averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game, placing him 10th in the NBA in both categories. His efforts earned him his ninth career All-Star selection, underscoring his enduring status as one of the league’s premier playmakers.
Now, as Lillard unexpectedly enters the summer’s free agent pool, questions loom about his future and recovery. The decision by the Bucks to waive him — though financially justifiable given his injury and contract — closes a turbulent chapter in what was hoped to be a championship season.
Meanwhile, attention turns to Myles Turner, the shot-blocking center whose signing is expected to anchor Milwaukee’s defense and provide a reliable interior presence. The Myles Turner contract reflects the Bucks’ strategic shift — one that favors long-term balance over superstar consolidation.
While the Bucks look to stabilize and reload for the future, Damian Lillard’s injury and sudden availability introduce fresh uncertainty into the broader NBA landscape. Whether another franchise takes a chance on the veteran guard’s comeback remains to be seen. For now, both Milwaukee and Lillard head into an offseason marked by change, risk, and the potential for reinvention.
The unexpected departure of Damian Lillard from Milwaukee, following a challenging season marked by health setbacks, signals a pivotal moment for the Bucks. While Lillard’s injury casts a shadow over his immediate future, his sudden release has reshaped the landscape of the NBA’s free agency market. Meanwhile, the high-stakes Myles Turner contract underscores Milwaukee’s urgency to retool and regain competitive edge. As fans and franchises recalibrate their expectations, the unfolding aftermath of this roster shakeup promises to keep the league—and its headlines—anything but quiet.
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