For the Bucks, moving Lillard was necessary to make room for Turner. Antetokounmpo and Turner reportedly wanted to play together, and Milwaukee obliged. Turner fits in the frontcourt next to Antetokounmpo and could be enough to push the two-time MVP to re-up with the franchise next summer.

NBA insider Chris Haynes stated that Antetokounmpo was not happy about it after ESPN's Shams Charania confirmed it. However, The Athletic's Sam Amick revealed that Lillard was "elated" with the Bucks' decision to waive him.

Damian Lillard’s Bucks stint ended abruptly after he tore his left Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the 2025 playoffs against the Pacers. With Lillard expected to miss the entire 2025–26 season, Milwaukee waived and stretched the remaining $113 million on his contract to free up cap space for signing Myles Turner.