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Bucks Waive Damian Lillard, Contenders Circle Injured Star Guard

17 posts • OpenAI (o3)

Updated Jul 4, 2025, 11:35 AM

The Milwaukee Bucks have waived nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard, electing to stretch the $113 million left on his contract over five seasons. The cap manoeuvre created room for Milwaukee to commit a reported four-year, $107 million contract to free-agent centre Myles Turner.

Lillard, 34, is recovering from a torn left Achilles sustained on 28 April and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 campaign. The Athletic and other outlets reported the guard is “elated” by the early free-agency opportunity and will continue his rehabilitation in Portland while evaluating potential destinations.

League sources say the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat are among several contenders that have already made contact. Because Milwaukee remains responsible for the bulk of his salary—about $22.5 million a year—Lillard could sign elsewhere for the veteran minimum, giving suitors a low-cost option with future playoff upside.

In his lone season with the Bucks, Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds across 58 games before the injury. His camp has indicated there is no rush to sign, with medical resources and championship prospects expected to guide the decision.

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#Milwaukee Bucks #Damian Lillard #Milwaukee #Myles Turner #Lillard #Athletic #Portland #League #Golden State Warriors #Boston Celtics #Los Angeles Lakers #Miami Heat #Bucks

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Sources

nypost.com(2)basketball.realgm.com(2)newsweek.com sfstandard.com

Newsweek

@Newsweek

Chris Haynes reported Damian Lillard is already working out a plan for 2025.

NBACentral

@TheDunkCentral

The Miami Heat have serious interest in signing Bradley Beal (if he is bought out) and Damian Lillard, per @TheSteinLine “The Heat, meanwhile, have serious interest in signing Lillard as well as exploring the prospect of adding a bought-out Beal. Yet it's fair to wonder why