With all the discourse about Giannis Antetokounmpo possibly leaving going around, the Milwaukee Bucks were a team under a lot of pressure at the start of free agency. They managed to make some upgrades, but one analyst didn’t hold back when talking about their most shocking decision.
In the opening hours of free agency, the Bucks found themselves with a hole to fill at center. After seven years with the franchise, Brook Lopez decided to depart from Milwaukee and join the LA Clippers on a two-year deal. The Bucks managed to find a high-level replacement for him, signing Myles Turner away from the Indiana Pacers.
Landing Turner shocked many, but it was just the beginning for the Bucks on Tuesday. In order to make the signing work financially, the front office made the drastic choice to waive-and-stretch Damian Lillard. This comes weeks after he tore his Achilles in the postseason.
While breaking down free agency on his podcast, longtime NBA analyst Bill Simmons touched on the Bucks parting with Lillard. He feels it was a move done out of desperation and isn’t going to pan out well for Milwaukee.
“I thought what Milwaukee did was one of the most desperate, reckless moves that I can ever remember,” Simmons said. “I hated it, I don’t understand it. I think it’s a disaster.”
“I hated it. I don’t understand it. I think it’s a disaster.”@BillSimmons doesn’t get what the Bucks are doing AT ALL … and if these were the only moves they had up their sleeve, he thinks they might as well have traded Giannis. pic.twitter.com/u9E3TN92TN
— The Ringer (@ringer) July 2, 2025
Though Lillard was set to miss most of next season due to injury, he was still the closest thing Giannis had to a running mate. Turner is a good player who impacts both ends of the floor, but he isn’t a No. 2 option on a championship-contending team. Now, Giannis is tasked with trying to keep the Bucks in the mix in the East as the sole star in the lineup.
In light of their recent moves, it still remains unclear if Giannis will remain in Milwaukee or approach the organization about a change of scenery. As things currently stand, it’s hard to argue they’ve put a roster around the two-time MVP capable of making a run at a title.
