Damian Lillard 'elated' Bucks made him a free agent
Share this @internewscast.com

Damian Lillard isn’t too bothered by his Bucks release. 

The Athletic disclosed on Tuesday that the superstar point guard is “overjoyed” that Milwaukee released him, granting him the freedom to select a competitive team of his choice while still retaining his earnings.

The 34-year-old Lillard, who is sidelined with a torn Achilles tendon, had two years and roughly $122.6 million left on his deal.


Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks warms up before Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum on April 27, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks warms up before Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum on April 27, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Getty Images

Aaron Goodwin, Lillard’s agent, released a statement, via The Oregonian, echoing the same sentiment. 

“This is a fantastic chance for Damian,” Goodwin stated. “All his financial guarantees remain intact, and he gains the opportunity to decide his future as an unrestricted free agent. He can choose to recuperate at home and be with his family and children over the coming year. The plan is for him to take his time in choosing his next team.”


Follow The Post’s live updates for the latest NBA free agency signings, news and rumors.


The Bucks stretched Lillard’s deal over the next five seasons, paying him $22.5 million each year. 

Lillard can now sign for a minimum-salary deal and still get his money from the Bucks. 

The nine-time All-Star “received calls from several contending teams very quickly after the news of his Bucks’ ending broke,” per The Athletic. 

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is not happy about the franchise letting his running mate go.


Milwaukee Bucks' Damian Lillard shoots a free throw during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic, March 8, 2025, in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard shoots a free throw during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic, March 8, 2025, in Milwaukee. AP

“He just didn’t like how it was handled,” Haynes said during a Tuesday appearance on NBA TV.

The Bucks used the Lillard money to sign Pacers center Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal. 

Lillard is expected to sit out most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season due to the Achilles injury he sustained during the Bucks’ first-round playoff defeat to the Pacers.

The Bucks acquired Lillard from the Trail Blazers in a blockbuster, three-team trade with the Suns in September 2023, dealing Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, a 2029 first-rounder and first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030 to Portland. 

In two seasons, the Antetokounmpo and Lillard duo battled injuries and underwhelmed in the postseason, falling to the Pacers in the first round during both runs.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Asking Eric: Siblings stage hearing aid ‘intervention’

Siblings Conduct Intervention to Address Eric’s Hearing Aid Needs

Dear Eric: I’m 60 and have been dealing with hearing loss since…
Some from Colombia and Cuba encouraged by Donald Trump's threats, but expert says some actions are motivated by oil

Trump’s Threats Stir Colombian and Cuban Hope, but Oil Politics Drive the Real Agenda, Expert Reveals

In a world where many have experienced life under non-democratic regimes, hope…
Linda Kathleen Brown, missing Chicago Public Schools teacher at Robert Healy Elementary School, last seen in Bronzeville: CPD

Urgent: Chicago Teacher Linda Kathleen Brown Missing Since Bronzeville – Can You Help?

Linda Brown, a teacher from Bridgeport, has been missing for two days,…
Ashton Kutcher is a tech billionaire who finds a 'fountain of youth' in the new Ryan Murphy series, 'The Beauty'

Ashton Kutcher Stars as Tech Billionaire Discovering ‘Fountain of Youth’ in Ryan Murphy’s Thrilling New Series ‘The Beauty

FX has unveiled the first glimpse of its upcoming series, “The Beauty,”…
Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California dies, reducing GOP’s narrow control of the House to 218-213

California Representative Doug LaMalfa Passes Away, Narrowing GOP’s House Majority to 218-213

WASHINGTON (AP) — California Republican Doug LaMalfa, a longstanding U.S. Representative with…
Seattle leaders slammed for police order to stop prosecuting drug users

Seattle Leadership Criticized for Decision to Halt Prosecution of Drug Users

Seattle’s mayor is under increased scrutiny regarding her public safety strategy following…
Mexican president rejects US sending troops to her country: 'I don't believe in an invasion'

Mexican President Opposes U.S. Troop Deployment: ‘Invasion Not an Option

On Monday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum voiced her strong opposition to what…
Venezuela's new interim leader Delcy Rodríguez 'hates the West,' ex official warns

Venezuela’s Leadership Shift: Delcy Rodríguez’s Anti-Western Stance Raises Global Concerns

Following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s new interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez,…
2 stabbed on CTA Red Line platform at 69th Street on South Side, Chicago police say

Two Individuals Stabbed on CTA Red Line Platform at 69th Street, South Side, Report Chicago Police

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Monday night, a violent altercation occurred at a…
Dan Bongino departs FBI for apparent return to podcasting

Dan Bongino Leaves FBI: A Surprising Return to Podcasting Sparks Buzz

Dan Bongino, who briefly served as the FBI Deputy Director under the…
Hilton Axes Hotel From Their Systems After Video Shows Them Continuing to Ban DHS and ICE Agents

Hilton Drops Hotel After Viral Video Reveals Ban on DHS and ICE Agents

Hilton Hotels has promptly ended its franchise relationship with a Hampton Inn…
Venezuelan President Maduro makes his first appearance in a US courtroom on drug trafficking charges

Venezuelan Leader Maduro Faces US Court for First Time on Drug Trafficking Allegations

Over the weekend, U.S. forces extracted Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela, sparking intense…