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
Americans stranded in Puerto Vallarta describe city's destruction as they flee cartel violence

Chaos in Paradise: Americans Flee Puerto Vallarta Amidst Escalating Cartel Violence

American tourists found themselves caught in a scene of chaos and destruction…
Newark recording studio shooting leaves 2 dead, 2 injured

Tragic 911 Call: Connecticut Man Fatally Shoots Terminally Ill Wife Before Taking Own Life

A tragic incident unfolded in Connecticut as a husband and wife passed…
Epstein files related to Trump abuse investigation withheld by DOJ: report

DOJ Withholds Epstein-Trump Abuse Investigation Files: New Report Reveals

According to a recent report, the Justice Department is accused of withholding…
Anna Kepner's stepbrother charged with homicide: court docs

Shocking Homicide Charges Filed Against Anna Kepner’s Stepbrother: Unveiling Court Documents

The stepbrother of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, who was discovered deceased in her…
Vandals slash tires on 7 NYPD cars at HQ for special team Mamdani pledged to cut: cops

Vandalism Strikes: NYPD Special Team’s Patrol Cars Targeted Amid Controversial Budget Cut Proposal

Authorities reported on Tuesday that vandals targeted seven marked NYPD vehicles, slashing…
Trump welcomes US men's Olympic hockey team to White House after gold-medal victory

Trump Celebrates Historic Victory: US Men’s Olympic Hockey Team Honored at White House

On Tuesday, members of the US men’s Olympic hockey team, who clinched…
Washington state stabbing rampage leaves 5 dead, including suspect shot by deputies

Tragic Stabbing Rampage in Washington: 5 Dead, Including Suspect Shot by Deputies

Authorities are currently delving into a violent incident in Washington state where…
Chicago man Andrew Anania sentenced in kidnapping, sexually assaulting drivers at gunpoint; Walter Moran also convicted

Day Care Scandal in Des Plaines: Two Workers Accused of Child Abuse at A Mother’s Touch

In Des Plaines, Illinois, two employees of a day care center are…
$1M reward offered for info leading to the return of Nancy Guthrie as Savannah makes emotional plea

$1 Million Reward Announced for Information on Nancy Guthrie’s Return Amid Emotional Appeal from Savannah

The search for Nancy Guthrie, missing since February 1, continues as authorities…
Car involved in Cicero, Hillside investigation crashes into home at Cermak, Kostner in Lawndale, Chicago: police

Car Crashes Into Lawndale Home Amid Cicero and Hillside Investigation, Say Chicago Police

A dramatic incident unfolded on Chicago’s West Side when a car, under…
Elderly Florida man accused of killing dementia-stricken wife said he'd 'rather go to prison' than care for her

Florida Man Allegedly Kills Dementia-Stricken Wife, Prefers Prison Over Caregiving

In a chilling incident in Florida, an elderly man allegedly shot and…
Ex-Iranian hostage Barry Rosen warns regime 'will go down fighting' the US

Former Iranian Hostage Barry Rosen Predicts Defiant Stance from Regime Against US

According to a former hostage from the 1979 Iran crisis, dismantling the…