The Milwaukee Bucks are getting a nice little financial break thanks to Damian Lillard’s new deal with Portland, ESPN’s Bobby Marks reports.
Bucks will save about $2.3 million per year on what they still owe Lillard after he signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Trail Blazers.
Milwaukee cut ties with Lillard earlier this month, choosing to stretch the massive $112.6 million remaining on his contract over five years. That move initially saddled them with annual payments of $22.5 million through 2030.
But there’s good news for the Bucks’ accountants.
Since Lillard’s new Portland salary exceeds the veteran’s minimum ($2,048,494) for the next two seasons, Milwaukee qualifies for what’s called a “set-off” amount of around $11.65 million.
The math works like this: Take Lillard’s new Blazers salary, subtract the veteran minimum, then cut that number in half. That’s the amount Milwaukee saves.
After this adjustment kicks in following the 2025-26 season, the Bucks will only be on the hook for $20.2 million annually instead of $22.5 million.
Every Dollar Counts for Giannis’ Supporting Cast
While $2.3 million might not sound like much in the world of NBA contracts, it gives the Bucks some breathing room as they try to build a better team around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
This savings could also help if Milwaukee needs to waive and stretch another contract down the road without hitting the league’s 15% cap limit on such moves.
The Bucks made the tough decision to cut Lillard and spread his remaining $113 million specifically to sign free agent center Myles Turner, who now has a player option for 2028-29.
Turner, 29, was Indiana’s longest-serving player before joining Milwaukee. He put up solid numbers last season with 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game while hitting a career-best 39.6% from beyond the arc.
Not All Teams Get This Lucky
The Phoenix Suns won’t enjoy the same financial relief with Bradley Beal.
Unlike the Bucks, who simply waived Lillard, Phoenix completed a buyout with Beal. According to Marks, teams typically give up their right to set-off money as part of buyout negotiations.
The Suns are using the stretch provision to spread the $99 million they still owe Beal over five years at $20 million annually.
Beal isn’t wasting time finding a new home. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the three-time All-Star plans to join the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $11 million deal with a player option after clearing waivers.
The 32-year-old’s deal includes a player option for 2026-27, potentially making him one of next summer’s top free agents. His previous no-trade clause is also gone.
This leaves Lillard as one of just two NBA players with a full no-trade clause in their contracts. LeBron James is the only other player with this rare protection.
