Giannis Antetokounmpo Unhappy With Bucks’ Decision To Waive Damian Lillard

by James Van WicklerJuly 3, 2025, 12:47 amNews >

The Milwaukee Bucks made some major moves on Tuesday and, according to one media member, Giannis Antetokounmpo is not happy with all of them. Following the news that the Bucks had signed Myles Turner and waived Damian Lillard, Antetokounmpo took to social media to post an image from the Bucks’ 2021 championship celebration.

The Bucks are stretching the remaining $113 million on Lillard’s contract in order to acquire Turner.

Turner has agreed with the Bucks on a four-year, $107 million deal that includes a player option for Year 4 in 2028-29 and a full 15% trade kicker, sources told ESPN.

Lillard’s two seasons with the Bucks come to an end as the seven-time All-NBA guard recovers from a torn Achilles tendon after undergoing surgery in early May.

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A few minutes later, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that the Bucks’ star is “not pleased with the team’s decision to waive Damian Lillard,” according to league sources.

“He just didn’t like how it was handled,” Haynes added during a Tuesday appearance on NBA TV.

This signals a day of mixed emotions for Antetokounmpo, who reportedly valued the opportunity to partner with Turner, according to Shams Charania. Antetokounmpo’s apparent frustration with the Bucks comes amid widespread speculation over his future with the franchise.

On May 12, Charania reported that Antetokounmpo was “open-minded” about exploring whether his best long-term fit was with the Bucks or someplace else.

On Monday night, Charania added: “It’s still wait and see. Giannis Antetokounmpo was open-minded about whether his best fit is in Milwaukee or elsewhere. I have not felt a shift from that mentality.”

It remains to be seen how the waiving of Lillard could impact Antetokounmpo’s future with the franchise.

Lillard was already going to miss most, if not all, of next season, so if this bothers Antetokounmpo on a professional level, it’s because he was looking forward to Lillard’s comeback in 2026.

Whatever his true feelings are right now, every move by the Bucks and every reaction by Antetokounmpo will prompt people to reassess how he’s approaching his future in Milwaukee.