Damian Lillard tore his left Achilles on Sunday during Game 4 of the first round playoff seven game series against Indiana Pacers. The franchise took to their X account (formerly known as Twitter) to announce the news in a post on Friday.
What did Milwaukee Bucks post for Damian Lillard?
The Milwaukee Bucks lost the seven game series in five games in Lillard's absence. The team announced on Friday that Lillard flew to Los Angeles and underwent surgery to repair his tendon.
The timing of the injury and their second first round exits put Damian Lillard in an uncertain position, as the team would be looking to make some crucial moves in the offseason. Lillard would take about 8 to 12 months to recover and even if he does, there's no guarantee that he would return to his usual best once he is back on the court.
During this time, any team which would be hoping of acquiring Lillard would sway away from their decision. Lillard sees himself under maximum contract extension which will make him earn a whopping $54 million in the 2025-26 season as he recovers from his injury. The amount will be guaranteed payout, with the Bucks unlikely to be granted a disabled player extension. He will further earn $58.5 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will also earn $54 million next season and together both of them account for 70% of Bucks' cap space. They must decide to keep their star duo and keep their salary cap tight or part ways with them to pursue other opportunities.
Giannis Antetokounmpo gets candid on Damian Lillard
During the postgame interview after Bucks' Game 4 loss to Pacers on Sunday, Antetokounmpo got candid about Lillard's injury in the game.
You see him down, and the first thought is, 'Come on, get up,' Antetokounmpo said, recalling the moment. When you see him limping and unable to walk on his own, you kind of know it’s serious.
He further mentioned about his mental toughness and is confident that he will overcome any obstacle in life.
It's hard being in his position, but he's one of the toughest, mentally toughest guys I've ever been around, and that's why he is who he is, and I think he's going to overcome every obstacle that's going to be in front of him, Antetokounmpo said.
No matter what the obstacle is for him, he's going to overcome, and we're going to help him overcome, he added.
Lillard had recently returned to the court as he was suffering from deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. He missed the final 14 regular season games due to his previous injury and concluded the year averaging 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 44.8% from the field.