The Milwaukee Bucks made a stunning decision on Tuesday when they waived superstar guard Damian Lillard. On the surface, it seems as if Lillard was mistreated by the Bucks considering the fact that he will be spending most, if not all of next season recovering from an achilles tear.
However, some are viewing it as a better opportunity for Lillard.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said on The Hoop Collective that Lillard was “miserable” playing in Milwaukee, and is thought to be generally happy about his release despite his injury status.
“He never wanted to be in Milwaukee,” MacMahon said. “He was a pro, and he tried to make the best of it. But again, he didn’t want to be there.”
“He had to actively try to make sure he wasn’t miserable,” he added.
Lillard was traded to the Bucks before the 2023-24 season and spent the next two seasons with the team. He averaged 24.6 points per game in that span, and was named an All-Star twice. In the playoffs, the pairing of him and Giannis Antetokounmpo failed to win a playoff series in their two seasons together.
Lillard will now be a free agent after he was waived, but whichever team lands the nine-time All-Star will have to wait for his services. The 34-year-old Lillard suffered a torn achilles during the first round of the playoffs this past season, putting his status for next season in serious jeopardy.
