The Milwaukee Bucks’ move to waive and stretch Damian Lillard’s contract earlier in the offseason drew sharp criticism across the league. Many saw it as a hasty reaction to the star guard’s Achilles injury and age. But internally, the organization views the decision as a strategic basketball choice, not a panic move.
According to Jamal Collier of ESPN, Milwaukee’s front office had grown uncertain about Lillard’s ability to return to his previous level at age 36, following his season-ending Achilles tear in April.
“The biggest misconception is that this was a panic move,” a team source told ESPN. “It wasn’t. It was a basketball decision. Dame on the other end of it, you’re not sure what that was going to look like. Meanwhile, Myles is a perfect fit. We want to win here.”
The move effectively ended Lillard’s brief tenure in Milwaukee. After being acquired in the 2023 offseason to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo, the eight-time All-Star averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists in 58 games during the 2024–25 campaign.
His year came to an abrupt end in Game 4 of the first round against the Indiana Pacers when he suffered a non-contact injury that later revealed a torn Achilles tendon.
The Bucks stretched the remaining $103 million on his contract over several seasons, clearing short-term cap space to reshape their roster. By doing so, they gained flexibility to retool around Antetokounmpo while keeping their contention window open.
Lillard’s release allowed Milwaukee to pursue younger talent and balance its payroll. Myles Turner’s acquisition was part of that transition — giving the Bucks an interior defender and floor spacer to complement Antetokounmpo. Team officials believe Turner’s fit addresses gaps exposed in the postseason, particularly rim protection and spacing in half-court sets.
Lillard, meanwhile, returned to familiar ground. He re-signed with the Portland Trail Blazers on a three-year, $42 million deal in July, marking a full-circle moment after spending his first 11 seasons with the franchise.
