It's been a tough road for former Bucks star Damian Lillard. After rupturing his Achilles in April, he was suddenly waived by the Bucks earlier this month in a move that nobody saw coming. Despite reports that Giannis was distraught by Lillard's release, ESPN's Ramona Shelburne revealed that he did have a heads-up that they were going after Myles Turner.
"They did inform Giannis Antetokounmpo they were doing this," said Shelburne on NBA Today. "This was a conversation with Jon Horst. Did they tell him they were waiving Damian Lillard in order to facilitate this? I don't know the answer to that. But he did know about Myles Turner, and I think he was excited about Myles Turner because he knows how good he is. At the end of the offseason, if the closest I've heard to a date on when Giannis is going to have that conversation about his own future in Milwaukee... be he did know about Myles Turner, and I think there was an alignment between him and the franchise."
Lillard, who has become the latest NBA free agent, is seeing this all unfold from his home in disbelief. Just weeks ago, he was preparing to spend the next few years in Milwaukee, but now his future is uncertain after the Bucks cut all ties. After seeing this report online, Lillard responded in a post that has gone viral on X.
The Bucks were excited to add Myles Turner to the fold, but it was only possible because they waived and stretched Lillard's contract. Giannis may have known about Turner, but it's unclear if he realized what it would take for the Bucks to get him.
As a loyalist at heart and a compassionate athlete, Giannis didn't feel right abandoning Damian Lillard (34) after he gave up so much for the Bucks. It didn't sit right with Giannis to cut off what was supposed to be an elite partnership after just two seasons together.
For Lillard, this is like the ultimate betrayal. While he never wanted to play for the Bucks, he embraced his arrival there from day one and worked nonstop to help them achieve success in the Eastern Conference. Ultimately, despite averages of 24.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game last season, his tenure there was a complete failure, and the Bucks felt they had no other choice but to wipe the slate clean and move on.
Fortunately, Damian will have his pick of teams this summer, and many have joined the effort to try and recruit his services. The Golden State Warriors are currently leading the pack and offer Lillard the chance to compete for a title. Best of all, he won't be losing a dime as he's set to make $20+ million over the next five years.
So while this ordeal has stung Lillard's ego, he's going to be just fine as he enters free agency for the first time in his career. When he returns to action next season, he'll be ready to take revenge on the Bucks and prove they made a mistake by letting him go so soon.
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