Damian Lillard‘s unexpected departure from the Milwaukee Bucks has sent shockwaves through the NBA community. After two seasons with the Bucks, where he was instrumental in securing an NBA Cup title, Lillard was released by the team on Tuesday. Although his last season was cut short by a playoff-ending injury, expectations were high for his comeback in the upcoming season. The team’s decision to waive him has left fans and analysts puzzled.
Owning a sports team often means confronting difficult decisions, as exemplified by former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban during Luka Doncic’s surprising move to the Los Angeles Lakers last season. A similar situation seems to have unfolded within the Bucks’ top brass.
Despite Lillard being heralded as one of the NBA’s elite, securing a spot on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, his tenure with the Bucks didn’t reflect the peak of his illustrious career. Nonetheless, Lillard’s contribution was significant; he made a substantial impact over 58 regular-season games, averaging 24.9 points per game and elevating the team’s overall play.
However, a season-ending Achilles injury, sustained during the playoffs, likely influenced the decision regarding his future with the Bucks. While speculation abounds concerning this outcome, the Bucks have sent a clear signal about their future ambitions. They intend to strengthen their roster further, aiming to align with top-tier contenders in the next season.
How much will Bucks have to pay Lillard and for how many years?
Reports indicate the team will absorb a hefty $22 million per year over the next five years as part of their salary cap obligations. This financial burden complicates the Bucks’ future roster strategies, and they will need to explore avenues to mitigate the impact on their cap space and maintain financial flexibility moving forward.
Explained in another way, this is the amount that Lillard is going to receive for the next five years:
- 2025-26: $22.5 million
- 2026-27: $22.5 million
- 2027-28: $22.5 million
- 2028-29: $22.5 million
- 2029-30: $22.5 million
Lillard’s impact with the Bucks
As Lillard bids farewell to the Bucks, the team and its fervent fanbase are left reflecting on the significant contributions of this NBA All-Star. During his tenure in Milwaukee, Lillard formed a formidable partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo, relentlessly driving the team to secure a playoff spot in each of the last two seasons.
Lillard’s statistics speak volumes about his influence on the court. He averaged 24.9 points per game during the regular season, showcasing his scoring prowess. Complementing his scoring ability, he also contributed 7.1 assists per game, demonstrating his role as a playmaker. His precision at the free-throw line was exceptional, converting an impressive 92% of his attempts.
From beyond the arc, Lillard maintained a solid 44% success rate on three-pointers. Over the span of the season, he clocked an average of 36.1 minutes per game and started in 58 games for the Bucks.
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