In one GIF, Damian Lillard sets the internet ablaze and reacts to revelations about Giannis’ role in his Bucks departure
May 30, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NBA player Damian Lillard sits courtside during the Las Vegas Aces and Los Angeles Sparks game at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
The surprise departure of Damian Lillard from the Milwaukee Bucks continues to make waves, with new details emerging about the circumstances of this separation. According to an ESPN report, Giannis Antetokounmpo was informed about Myles Turner’s imminent arrival, which ultimately led to Lillard’s release.
Giannis is confirmed to have known about the Myles Turner signing beforehand and was said to be excited per @ramonashelburne pic.twitter.com/dP5ZK9NRi0
— BucksShowYo🦌 (@BucksShowYo) July 2, 2025
Lillard’s telling reaction to the revelations
Lillard’s response came quickly. In reaction to this information, the 34-year-old point guard simply posted a GIF from « Nacho Libre » expressing resigned acceptance. This reaction suggests a feeling of betrayal, even if it doesn’t necessarily confirm that Antetokounmpo knew the Bucks would release Lillard to create salary space for Turner’s recruitment.
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 2, 2025
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne provided details about how events unfolded in Milwaukee. « They informed Giannis Antetokounmpo that they were doing this, » she said regarding the Bucks’ contract offer to Turner. « Now, did they tell him they were releasing Damian Lillard to facilitate this? I don’t know the answer to that question. But he knew about Myles Turner, and I think he was excited about Myles Turner. »
Difficult timing for the former Trail Blazers player
The situation is particularly delicate as Lillard is expected to miss most of the 2025-2026 season due to an Achilles tendon rupture suffered during the first round of playoffs. Releasing a player of this caliber just two years after acquiring him from the Portland Trail Blazers was certainly not the scenario anyone had envisioned.
Many question whether a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber, one of the top three NBA players in the world and face of the franchise, wouldn’t be aware of his team’s maneuvers. For a player of his status, it would be surprising if management didn’t involve him in such strategic decisions.
Lillard will likely seek to join a team capable of competing for a title, and he’ll certainly be motivated to prove his worth once he can return to the court next year. This story between Antetokounmpo and Lillard seems far from over, even if their duo with the Bucks has definitively ended.
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