Carmelo Anthony has always been very supportive of the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason, especially on the case of Giannis Antetokounmpo who is being urged by many to leave the team. His opinion about Damian Lillard, however, is the total opposite.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks
Jan 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts with guard Damian Lillard (0) after scoring a basket in the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Milwaukee shocked the NBA community early Tuesday when they announced that they are releasing Lillard through a stretch-waive deal.
This gutted a lot of Bucks fans and Lillard’s supporter as the team’s main motivation is the fact that he won’t be able to play in most of the 2025-2026 games. Getting released while injured, as the team’s second best player, is definitely shocking.
Anthony felt the same way. In an ESPN post about the news, he commented three times to express his disgust about this development.
Carmelo Anthony is not happy with the way the Bucks treated Damian Lillard pic.twitter.com/wTtvcQLWYR
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 1, 2025
“Business as usual,” he said in capslock in one comment. He also wrote “SMH” and “NO LOYALTY IN SPORTS!!!
Carmelo Anthony, Damian Lillard, Portland Trailblazers
Jan 13, 2021; Sacramento, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and forward Carmelo Anthony (00) shake hands during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Both Melo and Dame are part of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team and were teammates in the Portland Traiblazers for two seasons.
Carmelo Anthony should understand Damian Lillard was not empty-handed
While on the surface this move sounds like a betrayal or getting abandoned when things are tough, the financial compensation should not be ignored.
Lillard is going to get paid $22 million per year by the Bucks until 2030. He was supposed to get around $50 million per year for the next two seasons and Milwaukee managed to go around it through the stretch-waive deal.
Lillard’s agent said the player is putting things into perspective. He said Lillard is now preparing as an unrestricted free agent and make a comeback once he recovers.
Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks
Jan 6, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) sits in the bench area before the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Damian Lillard’s agent Aaron Goodwin on his client leaving Milwaukee and his future:
“It’s an incredible opportunity for Damian. He receives all of his money guaranteed, and it provides him an opportunity to decide his next destination as an unrestricted free agent. He gets a… pic.twitter.com/01qi2QlLRF
— Aaron J. Fentress (@AaronJFentress) July 1, 2025
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