Damian Lillard Waived by Bucks After Underwhelming Tenure, Agent Criticizes Team System

Damian Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, has criticized the Milwaukee Bucks for not utilizing Lillard effectively during his two seasons with the team, attributing the star guard’s underwhelming performance to the Bucks' system centered around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lillard’s scoring dropped from 32.2 points per game in Portland to around 24.6 points in Milwaukee, where he also suffered a ruptured Achilles that may sideline him for the 2025-26 season. The Bucks waived and stretched Lillard’s contract to clear cap space for a four-year, $109 million deal with Myles Turner, allowing Lillard to sign a new three-year, $40+ million deal to return to Portland. Despite the challenges, Lillard remained a key contributor in Milwaukee, averaging solid points and assists, but the team’s back-to-back first-round playoff exits and his injuries prompted the move. Goodwin framed Lillard’s return to Portland as an “incredible opportunity” while emphasizing that Lillard never had the chance to play as freely as in his first 12 years of the NBA. The Bucks had also considered trading Lillard mid-season but ultimately opted to acquire Turner to strengthen their roster around Antetokounmpo.