The Milwaukee Bucks made a surprising move early in free agency when they waived star guard Damian Lillard. On the one hand, it makes sense to do so when considering he's likely to miss the 2025-26 season after the torn Achilles he suffered in the playoffs, but he's still a productive player.

Damian Lillard tore his Achilles during Game 4 of the Milwaukee Bucks' first-round playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers. Lillard underwent successful surgery a few days later, but the injury still meant the end of his time with the Bucks as the team chose to stretch his contract and waive him to make him a free agent.

The Spurs just did this last season when they acquired Chris Paul to be a veteran leader on the roster and in the locker room, while also helping to steer the offense even after De'Aaron Fox was acquired from the Sacramento Kings in January.