The Milwaukee Bucks had a surprising move on Tuesday when they decided to cut ties with All-Star guard Damian Lillard. No one thought the Bucks would let the star guard go and keep him on the roster while he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon. However, Milwaukee did so to accommodate center Myles Turner, who signed a four-year, $107 million contract.
The Bucks are intentional when it comes to building a competitive team around Giannis Antetokounmpo. And with Lillard on the sidelines, recovering from the devastating injury, the front office stuck to their decision to leave him out of the picture.
NBA insider Chris Haynes stated that Antetokounmpo was not happy about it after ESPN's Shams Charania confirmed it. However, The Athletic's Sam Amick revealed that Lillard was "elated" with the Bucks' decision to waive him.
"From the frustrations that came with the on-court fit to Lillard struggling at times while away from his children, it was no secret that Lillard wasn’t long for Milwaukee. Now, he leaves with a level of freedom not often seen in pro sports," Amick wrote.
Damian Lillard
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard reacts after making a basket.
Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Originally, the Bucks weren't a preferred destination for Lillard when he asked for a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023. The nine-time All-Star was interested in playing for the Miami Heat at that time. However, he didn't have control over where he would land.
After Milwaukee waived Lillard, fans had various reactions to the team's situation.
"Well yeah he’s making millions of dollars to do nothing, sounds pretty (expletive) great to me too," a fan said about Lillard being elated.
"These players should start prioritizing themselves just like these organizations do," another fan commented.
"He’s happy he can finally go to Miami but idk if he will now bc they aren’t good without Jimmy," one comment read.
"He didn’t want to be there in the first place," one fan pointed out.
"Good for him! Sometimes a fresh start is exactly what you need," someone commented.
"Lmao the entire NBA community feels bad for him while he’s probably smiling ear to ear," a fan noted.
All eyes are on Lillard regarding which team will sign him as he recovers, while the Bucks try to focus on their lone star player, Antetokounmpo.