Damian Lillard was unceremoniously released from the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, and although the nine-time All-Star did not immediately address the news. he has now responded on social media to the report that Giannis Antetokounmpo approved of the team’s decision to add Myles Turner, the free agent center that was brought in at the expense of Lillard.
Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks
Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) looks on in the first quarter during game four against the Indiana Pacers 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
Damian Lillard Reacts to Reports that Giannis Antetokounmpo Approved the Myles Turner Signing
Damian Lillard was cast out by the Milwaukee Bucks just months after he returned from a serious shoulder issue to play in the postseason against Myles Turner and the Indiana Pacers. Lillard ended the series by tearing his Achilles, setting him up to miss most of the 2025-26 season. Milwaukee soon lost the series, once again crashing out of the NBA postseason in the first round.
Milwaukee Bucks, Damian Lillard
Nov 22, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) takes a shot between Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) and forward Pascal Siakam (43) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Now, Lillard has been released by the team in order to make room for signing Turner as a free agent. Lillard’s $112 million salary is now being spread over the next five seasons to make cap room to add a player like Turner.
Lillard finally reacted to the news with a gif responding to a clip of NBA Today, in which ESPN expert Ramona Shelburne stated that Giannis Antetokounmpo approved of the Turner signing and was excited.
pic.twitter.com/QKtvshkECe
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 2, 2025
Did Giannis Antetokounmpo Know About Damian Lillard’s Pending Release?
Of course, it is not known if Antetokounmpo knew that the team would have to sacrifice Lillard in order to make it happen. The Greek Freak would likely not be aware of the financial details of the signing or be acutely aware of the team’s precise cap situation. Shelburne later confirmed this by saying that it is not known that Antetokounmpo was aware of every aspect of the Turner signing.
“Did they tell him they were waiving Damian Lillard in order to facilitate this? I don’t know the answer to that.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Damian Lillard
Mar 4, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Damian Lillard (0) react after defeating the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Regardless, it is very sensible that Lillard is quite upset by the whole situation. The franchise has essentially stabbed their injured star in the back just two years after trading a significant amount of assets for him.
Dame left Portland and got Doc Rivers, no playoff runs together with Giannis, a torn Achilles, and got cut. Last person who deserved this man
— Aligned RB (@RyB_311) July 1, 2025
its crazy how good of a player dame has been and how dogshit hes been treated throughout his career https://t.co/gXkMHba7ZQ
— ANGEL SHRIMP LORD (@hakoholic) July 2, 2025
The Bucks are understandably desperate to improve their roster in any way they can, but the Lillard move continues to be a shocking move.
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