Tension Revealed Between Damian Lillard and Bucks Prior to Release

Damian Lillard's stint with the Milwaukee Bucks was cut short at the start of NBA free agency. As the Bucks upgraded their center following the signing of free agent Myles Turner, they let go of Lillard. The move came as a surprise to everyone who was focused on how Giannis Antetokounmpo's summer would play out in Milwaukee.

With Lillard recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, it was expected that he would miss most—if not all—of the 2025-26 season. The All-Star guard sustained the injury during the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs against the Indiana Pacers. During the series, the former Weber State star had just returned to action after dealing with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf.

All-Star guard Damian Lillard was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks.

Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

NBA insider Chris Haynes revealed that there was some tension between Lillard and the Bucks, which ultimately led to the star guard's release. Haynes gave context to what happened on Wednesday's episode of "NBA TV."

"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 said. "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."

After the release, Lillard was reportedly "elated" about the situation. Originally, Milwaukee wasn't part of the star's ideal destination when he requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023. 

Now, he has the freedom to choose which team he'll join as he recovers from his devastating injury.