Damian Lillard's feelings revealed after being waived by Bucks
According to The Athletic, Lillard is ecstatic the Bucks let him go, as he'll now be able to pick from a crop of contending teams — all while still being paid by Milwaukee.
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'League sources say Lillard is elated with this decision, as it puts him in the kind of basketball-first position that few All-Star-level players, if any, have experienced in league history,' they wrote.
Lillard will now be free to choose his next destination as he continues his pursuit of an NBA championship in what has already been a legendary career. Meanwhile, the Bucks will stretch his contract over the next five seasons, paying him $22.5 million annually.
The 34-year-old is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 campaign after suffering a torn left Achilles tendon in Milwaukee's first-round playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers. With the Bucks aiming to remain competitive and keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy, the team found a creative solution to keep their title hopes alive.
Lillard could sign with a team soon or wait until next summer, but The Athletic reports he has already received calls from contending teams — a situation described as a 'dream scenario' for the veteran point guard.
Lillard spent the past two seasons with Milwaukee after arriving in a blockbuster trade from the Trail Blazers. During that span, he averaged 24.6 points, 7.0 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 3.2 three-pointers and 1.1 steals per game across 131 regular-season appearances. He also posted shooting splits of 43.4/36.4/92.1.
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