The Milwaukee Bucks made one of many hardest calls of their offseason after they waived Damian Lillard to clear cap area, and head coach Doc Rivers is aware of simply how massive the loss is.
“Dame [is] only a nice dude,” Rivers advised ESPN throughout NBA Summer season League on Thursday. “Neglect the basketball half. He’s performed the whole lot proper all through his profession. He’s performed something a franchise can ask for a man should you’re attempting to win … Clearly, we weren’t gonna have him this yr developing, with the damage, however you don’t simply lose the participant, you lose the particular person. And in order that’s a tricky loss to your franchise once you lose that.”
The 34-year-old, was launched after Milwaukee signed Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million contract.
The transfer stretches the $115 million left on Lillard’s deal over 5 seasons, giving the Bucks extra monetary flexibility shifting ahead.
Over two years in Milwaukee, Lillard averaged 24.6 factors, seven assists, and 4.5 rebounds per sport whereas making two consecutive All-Star appearances. His time with the Bucks, nonetheless, ends with uncertainty as he recovers from a torn Achilles suffered throughout the playoffs.
In the meantime, Giannis Antetokounmpo was reportedly “not happy” with the choice to waive Lillard, including much more intrigue to the Bucks’ subsequent steps, in keeping with NBA Insider Chris Haynes.
Lillard is now a free agent and can give attention to his rehab whereas contemplating his subsequent transfer.
As for the Bucks, they’re all-in on constructing round Antetokounmpo, however Doc Rivers admits shedding a presence like Lillard received’t be straightforward to exchange.
READ MORE: Giannis Antetokounmpo Addresses His Future With the Bucks
