Milwaukee could regret its decision.
The Milwaukee Bucks look to be in good shape for next season, but it has come with some sacrifices.
Going into the 2025-26 season, the Bucks appear to be ready to emerge as one of the top teams in the East. With Giannis Antetokounmpo seemingly satisfied with Milwaukee’s offseason, he will lead the franchise again in his 13th season.
The big move, of course, came when the Bucks signed Myles Turner to a four-year deal, giving Antetokounmpo a stretch big as his frontcourt partner after Brook Lopez’s departure. However, that move came with a cost, with the Bucks waiving and stretching Damian Lillard to make room.
Of course, Lillard only had another two seasons remaining on his deal and was unlikely to play at all next season. Had the Bucks stuck with Lillard, that might have signaled stagnancy to Antetokounmpo.
Instead, the Bucks made a big splash and appear to have kept their superstar happy. On the other hand, Lillard is now a free agent and could make the Bucks pay for their decision after rehabbing next season.
In a Bleacher Report article from Greg Swartz, he wrote that the Celtics could be the team that takes a chance on Lillard. With Jayson Tatum also out for next season with an Achilles tear, Boston would have no reason to rush Lillard back and could prepare for a run in 2027.
If Lillard goes there, the Bucks might not feel threatened, especially if the nearly 35-year-old point guard is a shell of himself at that point. However, if Lillard returns to form in Boston, it could spell trouble for the Bucks, especially if the teams were to meet in the postseason.
Category: Basketball
