Damian Lillard and Milwaukee Bucks joined forces in 2023 to help each other. The nine-time All-Star as the missing piece to get the Bucks their third title, second in the 2020s, and the Wisconsin org to get Dame his first ever title.
Things did not pan out the way fans and critics expected mostly due to injuries and now, they got a divorced. Some say the Bucks did him dirty by dumping him while he was injured but the latest development suggest otherwise. The two parties are benefiting from this move in more ways than one.
The decision to waive Lillard started, according to NBA Chris Haynes, started when the nine-time All-Star requested to have his rehab done in his home in Oregon, within the care of his kids and family. The Bucks did not outright reject it but the ball started rolling in relation to his release.
Milwaukee waived his more than $100 million salary to open cap space and they will instead give him $22 million a year. Not bad for someone who will not play next season.
Lillard’s wish to be around his family got granted when he decided to return to the Blazers by signing a three-year, $42 million deal.
The set-off is applied after the season pic.twitter.com/TylOjkywTO
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 17, 2025
He may have helped the Bucks, too, while doing that according to Bobby Marks. He saved his former team of two years around $2 million as his stretch provision has been revised.
Damian Lillard will rehab for entire season
Initial reporters about Lillard after he tore his Achilles in series with the Pacers was that he could return by the playoffs for the Bucks.
That changes with his return to Portland as NBA insider Shams Charania said he will use the entire season to rehab his injury.
“Damian Lillard will use the entire 2025-26 season to rehab the Achillies tear, and then return for the Portland Trail Blazers make his reunion and return in that arena in 2026-27,” the reporter said.
This sounds favorable for Lillard as he will get to the community he loves and love him.
“Now he’s gonna be in Portland. Be able to rehab there. Spend time with the community there. Be the leader for a young team.”
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