Multiple Sources Indicate That the Milwaukee Bucks Are Expected to Make the Surprising Decision to Waive Their All-Star Guard Damian Lillard, Signaling a Significant Roster Move That Could Have Major Implications for the Team’s Future and the NBA Landscape as a Whole

A 9-time All-Star, Damian Lillard suffered an Achilles injury in the 2025 playoffs and was expected to miss the 2025-26 season.

Damian Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game for Milwaukee in 2024-25.

The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly waiving All-Star guard Damian Lillard, per multiple reports.

The Bucks opted to waive and stretch the remaining $103 million left on Lillard’s deal to facilitate the team’s reported deal for free-agent center Myles Turner. Per Shams Charania of ESPN, the Bucks and Turner agreed to a $107 million deal to make him the new starting big man in Milwaukee.

Lillard, who is entering his 14th NBA season, becomes a surprise addition to this summer’s free agent market after being waived by Milwaukee. He spent 11 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers before being traded to Milwaukee ahead of the 2023-24 season.

He’s expected to miss the 2025-26 season after tearing his Achilles tendon during the Bucks’ 2025 postseason run. The star guard suffered the injury in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series with the Pacers.

Lillard played three games in that series as he made a remarkably fast return from deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. Deep vein thrombosis is an abnormal clot within a vessel where the congealing of blood blocks the flow through on the way back to the heart.

After missing the Bucks’ last 14 regular-season games, Lillard was taken off blood-thinning medication and cleared to resume full basketball activity. Lillard missed Game 1 of the Pacers series to work his way back and then returned in Game 2.

Lillard, 34, ranked 10th in the NBA in scoring (24.9) and assists (7.1) this season while earning his ninth All-Star Game selection.