Damian Lillard’s first season with the Milwaukee Bucks had sparks of brilliance. He averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and shot nearly 93% from the free throw line. He brought leadership, confidence, and clutch scoring to a team that needed exactly that. Everything looked perfect for a long-term partnership. But just as fans were starting to believe in the Bucks’ new identity, things unraveled. A late-season injury started it all, quiet at first, but it grew into something much more serious.

In March, Lillard was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right calf. The term sounded scary, and it was. He had to stop playing immediately and begin blood-thinning treatment. Weeks later, he was cleared and returned in Game 2 against the Pacers, scoring 14 points. But just when it felt like a comeback story was forming, everything fell apart. During Game 4, he collapsed chasing a rebound. An MRI confirmed the worst: a torn left Achilles.

Now, here’s the real problem, not just for Lillard, but for the Bucks. This injury can take over a year to heal, and it rarely leaves players the same. Experts say he may miss most, if not all, of the 2025–26 season. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers had this to say about his injury: “He’s just such a great freakin’ dude. On the basketball level, but, more importantly, as a teammate and a father and all that stuff. No one deserves it, but golly, you just look at him. So that’s why I feel bad. It’s just tough.”

Was all this worth it for Milwaukee? Some fans say yes, pointing to Lillard’s impact when healthy. Others wonder if it was all too short-lived. One thing is clear: his injury changes everything. The team must now juggle recovery, roster moves, and salary cap pressure. Whether Lillard returns in full form remains uncertain. And it seems that the Bucks aren’t willing to wait for the 34-year-old to recover and prove his worth! It appears they have already moved on.

Why the Bucks chose to waive Damian Lillard and what it’s costing them

The news hit fans like a punch to the gut. Just weeks after Damian Lillard’s Achilles tear, the Bucks made a stunning move. According to Shams Charania, “The Milwaukee Bucks are waiving Damian Lillard and stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract.” That means his two-year run in Milwaukee is already over. Lillard, who ranked 10th in scoring and assists this season, will not suit up in green again anytime soon.

So, what does “stretching” mean exactly? It lets teams break up a player’s salary across more seasons to ease the cap hit. For the Bucks, this turns two huge payments into five manageable ones. Instead of paying Lillard $54 million next season, they will now owe him just over $22 million each year until 2030. “The Bucks will owe Damian Lillard over $22M a year for the next five years,” reported Legion Hoops. It is the largest waive-and-stretch deal in NBA history.

Why would they do this now? It is all about space and timing. By stretching Lillard’s deal, Milwaukee freed up over $30 million in room. That allowed them to sign Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million contract. “In a stunning turn of events, Myles Turner departs the Pacers to join the Bucks,” Charania added. The move signals that the front office is still pushing to win around Giannis.

Of course, there is a cost. Lillard cannot return to the team until his original contract ends, even if he recovers early. He will turn 35 this year and is expected to miss all of next season. While his time in Milwaukee ends quietly, the financial echo will last for years.

Damian Lillard hits free agency: Where could he land next?

Damian Lillard’s sudden exit from Milwaukee has left a swirl of uncertainty around his next move. He is now a free agent after the Bucks used the stretch provision to waive him and free up cap space. While the move helped the Bucks attain some breathing room they desperately needed, it also feels bittersweet for him. Now, as Lillard rehabs from a torn Achilles, the focus shifts from Milwaukee’s future to his.

Could we actually see Lillard back on the court this coming season? According to Shams Charania’s statement just a couple of days ago: “There has been some optimism that potentially he could be back within that 8-10 month period.” If that is to be believed, that timeline opens a unique window for contenders in need of shooting and leadership, especially if they can afford to wait. A veteran minimum deal might be enough to bring him in, with the hope he returns just in time for a postseason push.

One such possibility is the Houston Rockets. They already added Kevin Durant, Clint Capela, and Dorian Finney-Smith. Lillard would not need to carry the load here. Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson could handle the regular season, giving Lillard time to ease back into action. Once April hits, his clutch scoring could be a game-changer.

The Spurs could also enter the conversation. They have Victor Wembanyama and Dylan Harper, and a mentor like Lillard fits that direction. He could bring veteran guidance while still offering floor spacing and shot creation in limited minutes. San Antonio may not be chasing a title yet, but Lillard’s presence would add purpose to their development timeline.

And then there’s Miami. Two years after missing out, the Heat could try again. Tim Reynolds reported that the Miami Heat are interested in signing Lillard, and they are one of the many teams interested. If they believe in their core, adding him late in the season might give them the edge they lacked in 2025.