“So sad—this game is all about money now,” Giannis Antetokounmpo lamented, reflecting on the Milwaukee Bucks’ surprising decision to waive Damian Lillard. The superstar center, who posted a cryptic “I don’t know what’s going on right now” before the trade news broke, admitted that the move felt “cold” and unsettled him .
### 💸 A Money-Driven Move
On July 1, 2025, the Bucks stunned the NBA by stretching Lillard’s remaining \$113 million contract across five seasons—freeing up cap space to sign sniper big man Myles Turner to a four‑year, \$107 million deal ([sbnation.com][1]). Lillard, sidelined by a torn Achilles from April 2025, will draw his salary through 2030 without needing to log a minute on the court. The Bucks, meanwhile, are hoping Turner’s rim protection and shooting fill the void left by Brook Lopez .
### Giannis: Frustration, Not Ultimatums
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Giannis is “not pleased” with how management handled the release . Though aware of Turner’s arrival—and reportedly on board with that aspect—Giannis wasn’t informed that it would come at the expense of Lillard . The star conceded the process “felt wrong,” but has not publicly demanded a trade .
Giannis, 30, still has two seasons and a player option for 2027–28 left on his contract. With interest reportedly building from contenders like the Lakers, his future hangs in the balance.
### What’s Next?
The Bucks’ front office insist the aggressive reshuffle aims to keep the team competitive around Giannis during his prime . But the financial gamble—Myles Turner plus Lillard’s dead cap—could backfire, weakening their roster depth and shoehorning flexibility down the road .
Key questions linger: Will Giannis buy into the vision? Can the Bucks sustain contention under heavy salary constraints? And will Lillard find a path back once healthy?
The stage is set for a high-stakes offseason—Giannis holds the power.
