Damian Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks waiver reaction has sent shockwaves across the NBA ahead of the 2025-26 season, with Lillard addressing rumors about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s involvement. The franchise made the surprising move after a disappointing season, sparking strong emotions among fans and analysts as the story unfolds.

Bucks Abruptly Waive Lillard After Difficult Season

At the outset of the 2024-25 NBA campaign, expectations were high for the Milwaukee Bucks, who were seen as leading contenders in the Eastern Conference. Despite their strong roster, the team struggled for consistency, enduring what was considered one of the toughest seasons in their history. Even a win in the 2025 NBA Cup was not enough to overshadow their underwhelming league performance.

The Bucks’ struggles on the court intensified speculation about the future of their core stars, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. The situation worsened when Lillard sustained a torn Achilles, contributing to Milwaukee’s early playoff exit against the Indiana Pacers in the first round. With the need to restructure their roster and create salary room, the Bucks made the bold decision to waive Lillard, opting instead for newly acquired center Myles Turner.

Reports quickly emerged suggesting Giannis Antetokounmpo was made aware of and supportive of Lillard’s release, leading to speculation about his role in the decision. Lillard himself responded to these reports with a cryptic GIF on social media, hinting at underlying tensions without providing a detailed public statement.

Milwaukee’s move to cut ties with a superstar, especially in favor of landing a sought-after big man from a longtime competitor, has dominated headlines since the NBA’s free agency window opened. The circumstances leading up to Lillard’s departure, coupled with the drama surrounding knowledge of the move inside the Bucks’ organization, have fueled debate throughout the league.

Lillard’s two seasons in Milwaukee painted a picture of individual excellence, as he averaged 24.6 points, 7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, earning All-Star honors with the franchise both years. Now facing recovery from his Achilles injury, his focus turns to rehabilitation and identifying his next team, while Milwaukee reshapes their lineup around Antetokounmpo for the upcoming season.

Analysts and Fans Respond to Lillard’s Departure

The NBA community has been quick to weigh in on these dramatic events, especially after Lillard’s muted online reaction to the news involving Antetokounmpo. Anticipation is growing for potential storylines during the 2025-26 season, when Lillard is expected to sign with a new team and possibly confront his former teammates on the court.

ESPN analyst David Dennis Jr. provided a high-energy perspective on the significance of Lillard’s future, suggesting that the star guard’s next move could redefine the league’s competitive balance.

This is a league-changing thing that’s hovering over everybody right now. This is Thanos coming. This is winter is coming. Because Dame Lillard is going to add his talents to a contender. He’s not going to go out there and rebuild…  He’s going to look and see who’s best positioned to win a championship… —David Dennis Jr., Senior NBA Writer

Dennis Jr. argued that Lillard is in a more favorable position than Antetokounmpo when it comes to winning a championship, urging fans and analysts to keep a close eye on the star’s next career step. According to Dennis Jr.,

This is Thanos coming. … Dame Lillard is going to add his talents to a contender. —David Dennis Jr., Senior NBA Writer

The analyst’s fiery commentary has sparked debate within the basketball world, with some fans agreeing, while others cite Lillard’s injury and the challenges of a fresh start as obstacles. Ultimately, many believe the coming months will clarify whether Lillard can translate his reputation into postseason victories with a new franchise.

Antetokounmpo’s Optimism Fades After Short-Lived Partnership

For the Bucks, the 2024-25 season was a rollercoaster, briefly buoyed by their triumph in the NBA Cup six months ago. After that win, Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed enthusiasm about his partnership with Lillard and the team’s outlook for the remainder of the season. His optimism was captured in a public statement celebrating their success and looking ahead to even greater achievements together.

I’m so happy for Dame. We got our first trophy together and this is just the beginning. We’ve got to keep improving, keep getting better. We’ll be better. —Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

After winning the Cup, Antetokounmpo emphasized growth and the prospect of more victories, highlighting strong performances from both himself and Lillard in the competition. Their on-court chemistry produced several memorable moments, but ultimately, the team fell short of expectations during the playoffs.

Although the Bucks had crafted a unique approach built around both stars, the union ended abruptly just over half a year later. The lack of postseason results has led many to label the Antetokounmpo-Lillard partnership as a disappointment, aside from their isolated Cup win. The franchise’s focus now shifts to maximizing Antetokounmpo’s talent by retooling the roster, with fans and insiders watching closely for the next chapter in the team’s journey.

The Road Ahead: Lillard’s Recovery and New Horizons

Lillard, still respected for his resilience and star power, will dedicate the coming months to recovering from his Achilles injury. Rival teams are sure to assess his progress carefully, as a healthy Lillard remains one of the league’s most feared offensive threats. His decision on a new destination could have ripple effects throughout the NBA, with championship contenders likely to express strong interest.

Meanwhile, the Bucks enter a pivotal summer, needing to refocus after a tumultuous year. With Antetokounmpo still at the center of their plans, management faces high expectations to construct a winning team ahead of the 2025-26 season. The drama surrounding Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks waiver reaction, along with the unfolding narratives between former teammates and key personalities such as Myles Turner and David Dennis Jr., is poised to remain at the forefront of NBA conversations well into next season.