Damian Lillard’s time with the Bucks has ended after two seasons.
With free agency in full swing, Milwaukee released Lillard, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Bucks did so using the waive and stretch provision, meaning the remaining $113 million of his contract will be paid out over an extended period.
Lillard, who will turn 35 this offseason, suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the Bucks’ first-round loss to the Pacers. He was acquired by Milwaukee during the 2023 offseason and made an All-Star appearance in each of his two seasons with the franchise.
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Why did the Bucks release Lillard? Here is more on Milwaukee’s decision to part ways with the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team member.
MORE:Â Tracking the latest signings, trades, and more from 2025 NBA free agency
Why did the Bucks waive Damian Lillard?
Milwaukee waived Lillard to create cap space and facilitate the signing of Myles Turner, who agreed to a four-year, $107 million contract with the franchise on the second day of free agency.
The Bucks used the waive and stretch provision on Lillard, per Charania. The remaining $113 million on Lillard’s contract will be paid over the next five years, and the franchise will pay him $22.6 million annually through the 2029-30 season.
And while the payment drags out over a longer period, it decreases Milwaukee’s salary cap enough to help facilitate the deal with Turner.
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Over two seasons with the Bucks, Lillard posted averages of 24.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game. He earned the first All-Star start of his career during the 2023-24 season and played a key role in Milwaukee’s 2024 NBA Cup title.
Lillard’s second season with the Bucks was marred by injury, as he missed the season’s stretch run with a blood clot issue in his right calf. He returned in Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs but suffered a torn left Achilles tendon in Game 4 of Milwaukee’s first-round series with Indiana.
With Lillard’s injury occurring on April 27, the nine-to-12-month timeline associated with Achilles recovery could hold him out for the entirety of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Despite the injury, Lillard could command a lower salary because he will still be getting paid by the Bucks. He immediately jumps to the top of the list of available free agents and can sign with a franchise to oversee his rehabilitation and return-to-play progress.
This story will be updated.
