Damian Lillard has been waived in Milwaukee, and it seems as though he is more than fine with that.
The Bucks are waiving the 34-year-old guard to clear the space needed to sign Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal, according to The Athletic’s Tobias Bass, Eric Nehm, John Hollinger, and Sam Amick.
“From the frustrations that came with the on-court fit to Lillard struggling at times while away from his children, it was no secret that Lillard wasn’t long for Milwaukee,” Amick wrote. “Now, he leaves with a level of freedom not often seen in pro sports.”
Lillard had two years and $113 million remaining on his deal, but that amount will now be stretched over five seasons to create the flexibility required for Turner’s arrival.
The move stings less for Milwaukee because of what they’re getting back. Turner is one of the rare big men who can defend the rim and shoot the three at volume, hitting 39.3 percent on 5.2 attempts per game, while also blocking two shots per contest.
At 29 years old, Turner fits Giannis Antetokounmpo’s timeline and gives Milwaukee a much-needed Brook Lopez replacement.
Hollinger explained the mechanics: “Milwaukee will waive and stretch Lillard, sign Taurean Prince with the minimum exception and sign Gary Trent Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr. into the room exception. Right now, that leaves Milwaukee with $19.6 million in cap room; it likely will get to the $24 million it needs to sign Turner by moving off of Pat Connaughton’s $9.3 million salary.”
For Lillard, it’s a clean slate, one few players in league history have enjoyed. “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,” Amick wrote.
Several contenders have already reached out, and Lillard can now bide his time while recovering from a torn Achilles. Whether he joins a team immediately or waits until next summer, he’ll be paid the same.
It’s a rare position for a future Hall of Famer who’s still chasing that elusive first ring.
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