The Milwaukee Bucks have waived nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard, electing to stretch the $113 million left on his contract over five seasons. The cap manoeuvre created room for Milwaukee to commit a reported four-year, $107 million contract to free-agent centre Myles Turner. Lillard, 34, is recovering from a torn left Achilles sustained on 28 April and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 campaign. The Athletic and other outlets reported the guard is “elated” by the early free-agency opportunity and will continue his rehabilitation in Portland while evaluating potential destinations. League sources say the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat are among several contenders that have already made contact. Because Milwaukee remains responsible for the bulk of his salary—about $22.5 million a year—Lillard could sign elsewhere for the veteran minimum, giving suitors a low-cost option with future playoff upside. In his lone season with the Bucks, Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds across 58 games before the injury. His camp has indicated there is no rush to sign, with medical resources and championship prospects expected to guide the decision.