Bucks Waive Damian Lillard in Shocking Move to Sign Myles Turner

In a shocking turn of events, the Milwaukee Bucks have waived their All-Star guard, Damian Lillard, to create cap space to sign their new center, Myles Turner.

ESPN's Shams Charania shared the news via X.

Just in: The Milwaukee Bucks are waiving Damian Lillard and stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract in order to acquire Myles Turner, sources tell ESPN. Lillard's two seasons in Milwaukee come to an end as he rehabilitates a torn Achilles tendon. pic.twitter.com/eg1D1TMFM6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025

The Bucks are stretching the remainder of Lillard's $113 million contract to acquire Turner, owing him that money in a span of five years. Lillard is currently recovering from a ruptured Achilles that he suffered in the first-round series against the Indiana Pacers.

At 34 years old, it's tough to gauge how he will come back from this. It was clear the Bucks needed to make significant changes to the roster to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy, but it came with a price.

Lillard was phenomenal in his two seasons with the Bucks; although he had to battle through injuries during those two seasons, he put up impressive numbers. In 131 games in Milwaukee, Lillard averaged 24.6 points per game, 7.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals while shooting 43.4 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from three in 35.7 minutes of action.

The Bucks made a series of moves before this one, retaining the likes of Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr., forward Taurean Prince, and guard Kevin Porter Jr. this offseason. Their significant loss before Lillard was losing Brook Lopez to the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Bucks acquired Lillard as part of a massive three-team trade in the summer of 2023 with the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns. He spent his first 11 seasons with the Blazers and the last two in Milwaukee. Where he will spend the 14th season of his NBA career is a mystery.

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