The Milwaukee Bucks just got out of the Damian Lillard business, albeit at a steep cost.
Part of that cost, beyond the tens of millions of dollars the Bucks will pay Lillard over the next several years not to play for them after waiving him and stretching his contract on Tuesday, June 1, is the angering of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
"BREAKING: Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is not pleased with the team’s decision to waive Damian Lillard, league sources tell me," NBA insider Chris Haynes reported via X.
Lillard, on the other hand, had the opposite reaction as he continues to rehabilitate from an Achilles tendon tear he suffered during Round 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Indiana Pacers.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) defends during game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Former Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0).
Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
"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," Sam Amick, John Hollinger, Eric Nehm and Tobias Bass of The Athletic reported on Tuesday. "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."
Lillard can also stick it to Milwaukee over the next couple of years specifically, if he so chooses.
"With Lillard owed $54.1 million for this season and $58.4 million in the 2026-27 campaign, there is a salary offset for any team that acquires him during that two-year period," they continued. "And while the Bucks would surely prefer Lillard sign for a significant salary as a way to alleviate some of their financial burden, the reality is he could sign for a minimum-salary deal and still be paid the same amount."
Lillard probably won't be able to return until the very end of the season, so no team is likely to pay him too much in 2025-26 considering the Bucks will make him whole regardless. However, the soon-to-be 35-year-old superstar should be at full health ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, at which point he could do some real damage.