Bucks rumor: Why insiders think that the Bucks release Damian Lillard is a "win-win"

Senior NBA reporter Marcus Spears wrote on X, explaining why the transfers between the Milwaukee Bucks and Damian Lillard are "win-win" for both sides. The Milwaukee Bucks cut Damian Lillard in the offseason and compressed the remaining amount of the contract to trade Miles Turner, a move that caused an uproar in the NBA. To gain that flexibility, the Bucks compressed the remaining $113 million. The transfer was unexpected, but Lillard has the player option next summer so at least let him go wherever he wants to go.

ESPN senior NBA reporter Marcus Spears posted on X to express the same view, which he believes is a win-win for both sides. He was far from his family in Milwaukee and now in a free agent, where he could decide where to go as he wished.

Spears' post read: "Don't feel bad for Damian Lillard. It's a win-win situation. Damian has the player option next summer, but he has considered not to exercise. It's no secret that life from Milwaukee is a challenge for him. So he got the money and is now an unrestricted free agent who can go anywhere he wants to go."

Lillard tore his Achilles tendon in Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the Eastern Conference Finals. Due to this injury, his entire 2025-26 season was in jeopardy. The

Bucks' decision still caused a shock throughout the NBA, as it also allowed them to sign former Pacers center Miles Turner. This will also have a huge impact on Giannis Antetokounmpo's move with the Bucks. Chris Haines said he was upset with the Bucks' move, which could lead to his desire to leave the Milwaukee Bucks.

On the surface, this move is bad for Lillard as he is battling injuries that will keep him from playing most of next year. However, Spears's point remains the same: He can now choose where he wants to go, especially after he says how lonely he feels with the Milwaukee Bucks, with little to do except play basketball.