The Milwaukee Bucks` unexpected decision to part ways with Damian Lillard and instead sign Myles Turner has emerged as the most significant shock of the current NBA free agency period. This surprising roster change has broad implications for the franchise, particularly as they aim to secure Giannis Antetokounmpo`s long-term future in Milwaukee. Reports suggest a core disagreement between Lillard and the team regarding his rehabilitation process following his season-ending injury created a rift that contributed to the move.
NBA insider Chris Haynes recently detailed the alleged tension between Lillard and the Bucks.
“I was informed that Aaron Goodwin, Damian Lillard`s agent, about a month ago, reached out to the Bucks and informed them that Dame would like to rehab back home in Portland. Stay with his kids, rehab back in Portland,” Haynes shared on NBATV. “I was told that some people within the Bucks did not approve of that, and there was kind of some back and forth right there. I think that might have gotten the ball going or at least put some ideas in the heads of the Milwaukee Bucks that kind of led to this decision.”
Despite being released, Lillard is reportedly content with the Bucks` decision this summer. In a statement shared by The Oregonian, his agent, Aaron Goodwin, indicated that his client is quite happy, as Lillard is still guaranteed the remaining $113 million on his contract and is now free to choose his next team as an unrestricted free agent.
“It`s an incredible opportunity for Damian,” Goodwin stated. “He receives all of his money guaranteed, and it provides him an opportunity to decide his next destination as an unrestricted free agent. 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.”
As Goodwin`s comments suggest, Lillard has effectively found himself in a highly advantageous position, securing his substantial contract while gaining the autonomy to determine his next career step on his own terms.
Several teams have been mentioned as potential destinations for Lillard. Among them are the Los Angeles Lakers, who are reportedly looking to build a championship-contending roster to keep LeBron James, especially after he exercised his player option.
However, any team considering Lillard must account for his health situation. He is expected to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season due to the Achilles injury suffered in April. This injury followed a calf issue that ended his prior season prematurely, and he will be 36 years old by the time he is likely to be fully recovered.
From the Bucks` perspective, releasing Lillard was essential to create salary cap flexibility needed to sign Myles Turner. Reports indicate that Giannis Antetokounmpo and Turner expressed a desire to play together, which Milwaukee facilitated. Turner`s presence in the frontcourt alongside Antetokounmpo could potentially serve as a factor encouraging the two-time MVP to sign a contract extension next summer.
Jasper Hawthorne