Bucks head coach Doc Rivers shared his thoughts on the team parting ways with multi-time All-Star Damian Lillard, admitting that it was a tough decision both personally and professionally.
“Dame’s just a great dude. Forget the basketball part,” Rivers said while on the sidelines during the Bucks' Summer League opener against the Denver Nuggets.
The veteran coach continued, “He’s done everything right throughout his career. He’s done everything that a franchise can ask for if you’re trying to win. You just don't lose a player, you lose a person and that's a tough loss for your franchise.”
Lillard, who joined the Bucks in a high-profile trade just a year ago, was expected to play a key role in the team’s championship push. However, the 34-year-old suffered a season-ending torn Achilles injury during Milwaukee’s recent playoff run, which will cause him to miss the upcoming season.
[ALSO READ: Kevin Durant reveals Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard reached out after Achilles injuries]
This injury forced the Bucks to adjust their plans and decided to waive Lillard and stretched the remaining $115 million on his contract over the next five seasons to create financial flexibility.
With that newfound flexibility, the Bucks were able to lure big man Myles Turner away from last year’s Finalist’s Indiana Pacers to sign a four-year, $107 million contract.
[ALSO READ: Myles Turner pens emotional farewell to Pacers after shock Bucks move]
Rivers also explained Turner’s fit with the team, noting his ability to space the floor and protect the rim—two areas where the Bucks had been lacking.
“We needed to get a little younger. People forget he’s 29. He’s younger than Giannis [Antetokounmpo]. He’s a perfect fit,” the 63-year-old said.
Turner’s addition gives the Bucks a two-way big man who can complement two-time MVP and champion Giannis Antetokounmpo’s inside game.
“Stretching Dame’s contract wasn’t easy to do, but it gave us more flexibility, and with that flexibility, we were able to sign more guys and build a team that fits better with Giannis and the vision we have going forward,” Rivers said.
The offseason also saw the Bucks lose Brook Lopez, a key part of their 2021 championship team, as the veteran big man signed with the LA Clippers.
[ALSO READ: End of an era as champs Kevon Looney, Brook Lopez end stints with Warriors, Bucks—reports]
Milwaukee also dealt Pat Connaughton to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Vasilije Micic and two future second-round picks.
Despite these departures, the Bucks have maintained their core, retaining Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter Jr., and Gary Trent Jr., while adding Taurean Prince, Ryan Rollins, and Jericho Sims to strengthen the roster.
