Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard experiment has come to an end.

Just two years after acquiring the sharp-shooting point guard in a move that was meant to revitalize the Bucks’ championship ambitions, the future Hall of Famer has been sent packing.

ESPN reported Tuesday that Lillard, who suffered a torn Achilles during Milwaukee’s first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, has been waived in a move that makes room for the team to sign free-agent center Myles Turner. Lillard, who has $113 million remaining on his contract, will be paid out over the course of the next five seasons in a move that will keep Milwaukee’s future draft assets intact while still freeing up salary for next year.

Bucks Acquire Myles Turner

As a result, the Bucks managed to land arguably the top center in today’s free-agent market in a 6-foot-11-inch Turner, who helped lead his Pacers to their first trip to the NBA Finals since 2000. For his part, Turner — who was the longest tenured Pacers player at 10 seasons — made it clear he hoped to remain in Indiana following the season.

“I’m a loyal guy,” Turner said prior to the start of this year’s NBA Finals, when asked about interest he’s generated from other teams. “It’s always kind of been my calling card, I wanted to finish what I started. Of course, it’s flattering for teams to see your value, want you to be part of your system, but I wanted to do it where I was drafted.”

Unfortunately for Turner, however, Indiana’s apparent aversion to the luxury tax — which only increased following the Achilles injury suffered by Tyrese Haliburton — thwarted any potential deal. The Bucks now have a new franchise center with deep playoff experience who, at 29, shot a career-best 39.6% from beyond the arc while averaging 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game last season.

Milwaukee Never Felt Like Home To Damian Lillard

Lillard, meanwhile, joined the Bucks in 2023 as part of a three-team deal with the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns. The 34-year-old played in 58 games in his second season in Milwaukee, earning his ninth All-Star Game selection. He ranked 10th in the NBA in scoring (24.9) and assists (7.1) last season while shooting 45% from the field and 38% from deep. But the Bucks, who won the NBA title in 2021, finished a distant fifth in the Eastern Conference this season, thanks largely in part to injuries to superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

As far as his time in Milwaukee, Lillard never shied away from the fact that he found it challenging living away from his family, who remain in Portland. ESPN reported that Lillard will now return to Portland to continue his rehabilitation while taking his time to settle on his next NBA suitor.

“That’s probably been the biggest challenge, being away from my kids,” Lillard said in a 2023 interview following his trade to Milwaukee. “Being away from everything that I’ve known. It’s a hurdle. It is an everyday battle. Any father or any mother would know that. When you wake up and you are able to be physically present with your kids, there is nothing else that you love more in the world.”

During his time in Portland, Lillard led the Trailblazers to eight playoff appearances, including a trip to the Western Conference finals in 2019. He ranks first in team history in points and made three-pointers, and second in assists.

End Of My Damian Lillard Rant

While instant reaction may be to feel bad for a player who was waived while actively rehabilitating from an injury as severe as a torn Achilles, Lillard was, in all likelihood, going to skip town soon enough anyway. At least now he’s in the driver’s seat — relatively — in terms of his next landing spot.

If there’s anyone to feel sorry for, it’s the big-man from Indiana who was hopeful for a chance to run it back with his team next year. That being said, after signing a four-year, $107 million deal, he may just get over it sooner than later.