Sports

Damian Lillard waived by Milwaukee Bucks

By OPB staff (OPB)
July 1, 2025 8:39 p.m.

The Portland Trail Blazers’ all-time leading scorer is now an unrestricted free agent as he recovers from Achilles surgery.

FILE-Milwaukee Bucks' Damian Lillard grimaces as he falls to the floor against the Indiana Pacers during the first half of Game 4 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Milwaukee.

FILE-Milwaukee Bucks' Damian Lillard grimaces as he falls to the floor against the Indiana Pacers during the first half of Game 4 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Milwaukee.

Jeffrey Phelps / AP

Damian Lillard is no longer a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.

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The Bucks waived Lillard on Tuesday, a move that allowed the franchise to sign free agent center Myles Turner.

ESPN first reported the news.

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Lillard, 34, will still receive the $113 million he is owed in the last two years of his contract. Lillard ruptured his left Achilles tendon during the NBA playoffs and had surgery in May. He’s likely to miss the upcoming NBA season.

Lillard is the all-time leading scorer in Portland Trail Blazers history. He played just two seasons for the Bucks.

The point guard is now an unrestricted free agent, meaning he can sign with any franchise other than the Bucks.

Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, issued a statement to The Oregonian/OregonLive describing the move as “an incredible opportunity for Damian.”

“He gets a chance to rehab at home if he chooses to, and be with his family and his kids for the next year. The goal is for him to take his time and make a decision on what his next destination will be,” Goodwin said.

Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game last season prior to his injury.

The Trail Blazers traded Lillard to the Bucks in September 2023 in part of a three team deal with the Phoenix Suns.

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