Damian Lillard is facing a surprising turn in his NBA career after the Milwaukee Bucks waived him earlier this month, despite his hopes of continuing with the team. This decision followed an Achilles injury in April and was linked to the Bucks acquiring Myles Turner, a move reportedly known to Giannis Antetokounmpo in advance. The unfolding Myles Turner Bucks trade news has left Lillard in disbelief as he adjusts to free agency.

Advance Notice Given to Giannis Antetokounmpo About Myles Turner Acquisition

Although the release of Damian Lillard caught many by surprise, reports indicate that Giannis Antetokounmpo was informed about the Bucks’ pursuit of Myles Turner. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne on NBA Today,

“They did inform Giannis Antetokounmpo they were doing this.”

She added,

“This was a conversation with Jon Horst. Did they tell him they were waiving Damian Lillard in order to facilitate this? I don’t know the answer to that. But he did know about Myles Turner, and I think he was excited about Myles Turner because he knows how good he is. At the end of the offseason, if the closest I’ve heard to a date on when Giannis is going to have that conversation about his own future in Milwaukee… be he did know about Myles Turner, and I think there was an alignment between him and the franchise.”

Damian Lillard Responds to News From Home, Expressing Shock

Following his unexpected release, Lillard has been watching developments from his home, grappling with the rapid changes to his career. Just weeks prior, he anticipated spending multiple seasons with the Bucks, making the current uncertainty hard to process. After seeing reports of Giannis’s prior knowledge about the trade, Lillard’s reaction on social media gained significant attention, going viral on the platform X.

Trade Made Possible by Waiving Lillard and Stretching His Contract

The Bucks’ opportunity to add Myles Turner was contingent on waiving Damian Lillard and stretching his contract, a financial move critical to finalizing the trade. While Giannis was informed about acquiring Turner, it remains unclear if he fully understood the cost in terms of Lillard’s departure. This context provides insight into the complexity behind the Bucks’ roster changes.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Loyalty and Emotional Conflict

Giannis, known for his loyalty and compassionate nature, reportedly struggled with the decision to let go of Lillard, who gave his all during their two seasons together. The partnership was intended to elevate the Bucks’ standing in the Eastern Conference, but Giannis found it difficult to sever ties with a teammate who sacrificed much for the team.

Lillard’s Journey With the Bucks and the Disappointment of a Short Tenure

Despite never initially wanting to join the Bucks, Damian Lillard embraced the challenge and committed himself fully to the team’s success. His impressive averages last season—24.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game—could not prevent the relationship from being deemed unsuccessful by the franchise. Eventually, the Bucks decided to start fresh by moving on from him completely.

Looking Ahead: Lillard’s Free Agency and Future Opportunities

Now a free agent, Damian Lillard has attracted interest from multiple NBA teams eager to secure his talents. Leading the chase are the Golden State Warriors, who offer a strong chance to compete for championships. Importantly, Lillard stands to earn over $20 million annually for the next five years, ensuring financial stability despite recent upheavals.

While the sudden release has undoubtedly bruised Lillard’s pride, experts expect him to rebound swiftly in free agency. When he returns to play next season, he is likely motivated to prove the Bucks wrong and demonstrate that letting him go was a miscalculation.