Milwaukee Bucks Waive Damian Lillard, Stretch $113M Contract Amid Injury

Damian Lillard was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, who will stretch the remaining $113 million of his contract over five years in order to sign free agent center Myles Turner. Lillard, recovering from a torn left Achilles tendon sustained in the 2025 playoffs, is unlikely to sign with a new team for the 2025-26 season as he focuses on rehab. Despite his injury, Lillard remains a highly regarded star, with teams such as the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and potentially his original team, the Portland Trail Blazers, showing interest. His performance before the injury was strong, averaging 24.9 points, 6.7 assists, and shooting 44.8 percent from the field in 58 games during the 2024-25 season. The situation presents Lillard with an unusual opportunity to choose his next destination as an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career. Meanwhile, unrelated comments by Kevin Durant reflecting on the Oklahoma City Thunder’s early 2010s tenure and missed opportunities do not pertain to the Lillard news.