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According to various sources, the Milwaukee Bucks have decided to waive All-Star guard Damian Lillard.
The team has chosen to waive and stretch the remaining $103 million on Lillard’s contract to help facilitate a reported agreement with free-agent center Myles Turner. Shams Charania of ESPN reports that the Bucks and Turner have reached a $107 million deal, making him the new starting center for Milwaukee.
In a unique move, the Bucks managed to waive and stretch Lillard’s contract—which totals $113 million—over the next five years while preserving their future draft picks. In a surprising development, Myles Turner leaves the Pacers to join the Bucks.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
The Milwaukee Bucks have officially notified Damian Lillard of their decision to waive and stretch the remaining term of his contract, as reported by sources.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 1, 2025
Entering his 14th season in the NBA, Lillard becomes an unexpected name on this summer’s free-agent market following his release from the Bucks. After spending 11 years with the Portland Trail Blazers, he was traded to Milwaukee prior to the 2023-24 season.
Sadly, Lillard is projected to miss the entire 2025-26 season after suffering an Achilles tendon injury during the Bucks’ postseason in 2025. He sustained the injury in Game 4 of their first-round playoff matchup against the Pacers.
Lillard participated in three games during that series, making a remarkably swift recovery from deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. This condition involves an abnormal clot forming within a blood vessel, obstructing blood flow back toward the heart.
After being sidelined for the last 14 regular-season games, Lillard was taken off blood-thinning medication and cleared to fully engage in basketball activities. Although he missed Game 1 of the Pacers series to continue his recovery, he returned for Game 2.
At 34 years old, Lillard finished the season ranked 10th in the NBA for both scoring (24.9 points per game) and assists (7.1), and he secured his ninth selection for the All-Star Game.
This report includes information from The Associated Press. Additional details will be available soon on NBA.com.