In a complete turn of events involving the Milwaukee Bucks and Damian Lillard, and Lillard no longer being with the team, there are no hard feelings mutually. In fact, the veteran guard is happy he was stretched and waived by the organization.
Milwaukee will owe Lillard $22 million per season for the next five years, as the money they were able to save by doing that allowed them to sign former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner. Turner signed with Milwaukee after Indiana did not want to go into the luxury tax for him.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the 34-year-old is “elated” by the fact Milwaukee wanted him gone. Back in 2023, Lillard wanted to go to Miami instead of Milwaukee, but the Portland Trail Blazers did not want to accommodate his request to the Heat.
For the first time in his career, Lillard will have the chance to pick any team that he wants to join. Multiple reports are saying he’ll take a minimum contract so that he can have tons of options.
Per Chris Haynes, a team to keep an eye on are the Heat. Both sides have mutual interest and could see a deal get done, despite the veteran’s age and recent Achilles tear injury.
Even if Lillard did not suffer that devastating injury, the Bucks would have still discussed a potential exit for Lillard. Between the on-court fit issues and him missing his children, Milwaukee was no longer a place that made sense for either side.
