The Milwaukee Bucks shocked the NBA free agency world when they signed Myles Turner away from the Pacers for four years and $107 million, per reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania. Then a harsh dose of reality set in: they had to do something drastic to clear up the requisite cap space. In a twist upon a twist, that something meant waive-and-stretching Damian Lillard, who will miss most or all of next season as he heals from Achilles surgery.
Milwaukee Bucks Cut Ties with Beloved Superstar Two Summers After Blockbuster To Get Him
When a team waives and stretches a player’s contract, they essentially agree to pay the player his full guaranteed salary but over a longer period of time. The official formula is two times the remaining years plus an an additional season. For Lillard, then, the Bucks will own his $113 million salary over the next five seasons instead of two.
While Dame sits on waivers, any team can claim him. If he clears waivers, he becomes a free agent eligible to sign with any team other than Milwaukee. The Bucks could in theory re-sign him, but only after his the expiration date of his original contract. That would be in summer 2027. The above information is courtesy of NBA writer Luke Adams at Hoops Rumors.
Milwaukee Bucks Damian Lillard Myles Turner
Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) drives for the basket against Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) in the first quarter during game four 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
For Dame and the Bucks, the move marks an unceremonious end to his time in Milwaukee. Battling through injuries and a blood clot last season, Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists while shooting 37.6% on threes. He played 58 regular-season games.
After being ruled out indefinitely with a blood clot in March, Lillard miraculously returned in just over a month, in time for Game 2 of the Bucks’ first round play off series against the Finals-bound Pacers. He tore his Achilles in the first quarter of Game 3, knocking him out for the postseason and much of next year.
Milwaukee Bucks, Damian Lillard, Myles Turner
Nov 10, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) drives for the basket against Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The team acquired him in a blockbuster move two summers ago that sent out Jrue Holiday, a core member of the 2021 title team. Now Lillard is gone as well. The league moves fast.
Fans Stunned, Sympathetic in Wake of News
The Bucks had to clear cap space somehow to acquire Turner in an aggressive win-now move. Although necessary, the transaction left many fans feeling bad for Dame, the team’s co-star alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and a loyal, well-liked player across the league.
Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks, Myles Turner
Jan 31, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shows his love for Portland fans during introductions before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Social media flooded with comments like “Dame deserves better” and “Wow…the disrespect!” in response to the news. Many others shared sympathy, disbelief, or both.
This is why players try to get max value versus showing loyalty. Teams can and will be cutthroat
— SportsHub (@Sprts_Hub) July 1, 2025
WOW. It’s a COLD World, and this is why I think LeBron (and really every player) has the right to get every cent they are entitled to from these NBA organizations.
— Adrian Morris (@Adrian_R_Morris) July 1, 2025
“Wow! Dame really asked himself to be traded from Portland only to be waived by Milwaukee. NBA is a cold business,” one commenter noted.
It’s a sour ending to be sure, but probably unavoidable to engineer the Turner signing. Best of luck to Dame moving forward.
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