The Damian Lillard waived Bucks Achilles saga reached a dramatic conclusion on July 3, 2025, as the Milwaukee Bucks officially waived the 34-year-old guard just three months after he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in April.
The decision ends a brief but turbulent tenure for the veteran, who was traded to Milwaukee in a blockbuster deal last year.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the move gives the Bucks financial flexibility heading into free agency while signaling a major shift in roster priorities.
It also raises questions about Lillard’s NBA future and whether the seven-time All-Star will return to play at all.
Why the Bucks Waived Damian Lillard
The Damian Lillard waived Bucks Achilles move was driven by a combination of medical risk and financial necessity.
Lillard, who averaged 21.4 points and 6.2 assists in 49 games before his injury, was projected to miss most—if not all—of the 2025–26 season.
General Manager Jon Horst released a statement saying, “We thank Damian for his leadership, professionalism, and dedication. Given our roster direction and his recovery timeline, this was a difficult but necessary move.”
Lillard was owed $45.6 million next season, with a player option in 2026. By waiving him now under the injury provision clause, the Bucks will clear significant cap space and avoid tax penalties.
Contract Impact and Cap Flexibility
The Damian Lillard waived Bucks Achilles decision allows Milwaukee to pivot from an aging core. Per Spotrac, Lillard’s remaining salary will be stretched across multiple seasons unless a team claims him off waivers—an unlikely outcome due to his injury and contract size.
This cap relief opens the door for Milwaukee to:
- Extend Giannis Antetokounmpo long-term
- Pursue younger guards in free agency (e.g., Tyus Jones, Immanuel Quickley)
- Restructure bench depth after a disappointing second-round playoff exit
Teammate and League Reaction
Giannis responded with support, telling The Athletic, “I respect Dame. He fought hard for us. I hope he comes back stronger. But we have to keep moving forward.”
Former teammate Brook Lopez added, “The injury was brutal. You hate to see it end like this.”
Across the league, reactions were mixed. Some executives believe the Damian Lillard waived Bucks Achilles decision was premature, while others applauded Milwaukee for facing reality and planning for the future.
Lillard’s NBA Future in Doubt
Whether Lillard will play again is now uncertain. The Achilles tear is considered one of the most difficult injuries to recover from, especially for older guards who rely on explosiveness.
“He may need 10–12 months minimum,” said Dr. Rajpal Brar, a sports injury specialist quoted in CBS Sports. “Even then, it’s not guaranteed he returns at the same level.”
Lillard has not spoken publicly since April but posted on Instagram last week: “Grateful for the game. Still hungry.”
Key Stats from Lillard’s 2024–25 Season
- Points Per Game: 21.4
- Assists Per Game: 6.2
- FG %: 43.9%
- 3PT %: 36.4%
- Games Played: 49
- Injury: Torn Achilles (April 2025)
- Salary Waived: $45.6 million
Expert Insight: A Calculated Shift
Analyst Brian Windhorst said on NBA Today, “This move tells me the Bucks are done living in the past. They’re building around Giannis again—and quicker than expected.”
The Damian Lillard waived Bucks Achilles moment may also impact free agency, as teams like the Heat, 76ers, and Spurs explore veteran leadership at a lower cost.
Final Thoughts on Damian Lillard Waived Bucks Achilles
The Damian Lillard waived Bucks Achilles decision is more than a roster adjustment—it’s a clear pivot for a team trying to reclaim its identity. For Lillard, it could mark the end of an era.
For Milwaukee, it’s a reset button in a critical offseason. Whether Dame returns to the court or not, his leadership and fight in Milwaukee will be remembered.
Now the spotlight shifts to what comes next—for the Bucks, for free agency, and the veteran guard.
What do you think?
Should the Bucks have kept Lillard? Will he play again? Comment your thoughts below.
The Bucks have officially waived Damian Lillard due to an Achilles injury, per Shams Charania of #ESPN pic.twitter.com/CJE5KApm8O
— Recap Highlights (@RexoLabs) July 3, 2025
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