ESPN NBA insider Tim MacMahon recently elaborated on the ongoing situation in the Milwaukee Bucks locker room following their decision to waive nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard, as the insider reveals that the choice may have benefitted both parties.
Lillard hit free agency two years ahead of schedule, as the Bucks waived him in a surprising move Tuesday. Milwaukee’s intent to utilize the cap space freed up by his release to sign Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner.
NBA Insider Reveals Damian Lillard Had To ‘Actively Make Sure He Wasn’t Miserable’ With the Bucks
Lillard arrived in Milwaukee just prior to the 2023-24 season via a blockbuster three-team trade with the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns. Lillard put together a solid first season in Milwaukee that saw him average 24.3 points, 7.0 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals across 35.3 minutes per contest over 73 regular-season games.
He then took another step forward this past regular season with 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals across 36.1 minutes per contest over 58 games. However, the star point guard suffered from a deep vein thrombosis in his right calf in late March, then tore his Achilles tendon in Game 4 of the first-round series against the Indiana Pacers after having been cleared to return from the former injury in time for the start of the postseason.
The unfortunate finish to Lillard’s two-season tenure in Milwaukee was somewhat symbolic, considering he apparently never fully acclimated to his first NBA home outside of Portland.
“He didn’t want to be there. He had to actively try to make sure he wasn’t miserable” – @espn_macmahon on Dame pic.twitter.com/dyhAAETGdl
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) July 2, 2025
“He didn’t want to be there; he had to actively make sure he wasn’t miserable, and now if he wants to get to Miami, you know, that’s probably still on the table, or go back to the Bay Area, his hometown,” McMahon revealed following the Bucks’ decision to release Dame.
Despite the relationship between the Bucks and Lillard now being terminated following their decision to waive him, there is an ongoing dispute between the player and the franchise since it’s been alleged the team may have not given him any advance notice of the move.
“Despite reports surfacing around the league claiming otherwise, Bucks ownership did not notify Damian Lillard and his camp. The move was entirely unprompted, and Lillard found out along with the rest of us.”
BREAKING: Despite reports surfacing around the league claiming otherwise, Bucks ownership did NOT notify Damian Lillard and his camp ahead of his release.
The move was entirely unprompted, and Lillard found out along with the rest of us. Shocking procedure from the Bucks FO. pic.twitter.com/hVsQEelF6T
— BucksRealm (@BucksRealm) July 2, 2025
Despite the drama surrounding the decision to release him, The Athletic has reported that Lillard was overjoyed by the decision, which allowed him to explore new options while still being paid by the Bucks.
“He’ll be able to join the contending team of his choosing, either sometime soon or perhaps next summer, without the financial aspect of the decision playing a significant part, being owed $54.1 million for this coming season and $58.4 million in the 2026-27 campaign.”
Among those options, there is the potential for a return to his hometown as suggested by MacMahon, with a move to the Golden State Warriors within the range of possibilities. There is also interest from the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, according to league sources.
Heading into free agency, Lillard was trapped in an unhappy marriage with the Bucks. However, he’s now reportedly in a much better place, as he’s getting paid while still having the pick of any team in the league, which makes him the biggest winner of the trade.
