Despite an impressive regular season, the Milwaukee Bucks faced an early playoff exit at the hands of the Indiana Pacers. Unfortunately, Damian Lillard sustained a ruptured left Achilles tendon, an injury that will keep him off the court for the majority of the 2025-26 season. In a surprising twist, the Bucks decided to release Lillard, a decision that left fans in disbelief. Now, new insights may shed light on the rationale behind this unexpected move.
“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 and stay with his kids… 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,” Chris Haynes reported, via NBA TV.
Fans remain skeptical about the official explanation for the recent roster move, speculating instead that it aims to create financial flexibility to build a stronger team around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Nobody wants to see a wasted season without a top-tier partner for the Greek superstar. While Damian Lillard has been tight-lipped about the progress of his injury recovery, he shared an Instagram story on July 4 showing him working out in his hometown of Portland.
Reports suggest Lillard might miss the entire 2025-26 season to ensure a full recovery and prime fitness for the 2026-27 campaign. At 34, Lillard continues to perform at an exceptional level, likely attracting interest from multiple teams. During the 2024-25 season, he impressed with an average of 24.9 points and 7.1 assists over 58 games for the Milwaukee Bucks, reaffirming his status as one of the league’s standout performers.
Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against Indiana Pacers – Game Two at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 22, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Damian Lillard’s next move: What could be his destiny in the NBA once he recovers from injury?
Despite being 34 and facing a significant injury, Damian Lillard continues to draw interest from multiple NBA teams. Reports from The Athletic indicate that the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers have all reached out to the seasoned guard. Nevertheless, Lillard remains focused on returning to peak form, delaying any immediate contract agreements.
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Furthermore, Damian might be open to a substantial pay cut, as he has already secured $112 million over five years from the Bucks, according to Charania. This financial flexibility positions him as an attractive option for teams eager to add his talent and experience to their roster. Lillard has demonstrated he can perform at a high level, even in the twilight of his career, making him a highly sought-after asset.
