Damien Lillard’s Agent Speaks Out

Damien Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, is back in the spotlight after the Bucks made a surprising decision regarding Lillard’s future. The Bucks opted to let him go, a move Goodwin criticized, citing Lillard’s challenging tenure in Milwaukee, which saw the team eliminated in the first round of the playoffs twice in a row against the Pacers.

“He played the first 12 years of his career, so he really didn’t have the opportunity to play,” Goodwin stated. In a conversation with ESPN’s Jamal Collier, he noted, “He played to win in the system he was in.”

Before the 2023-24 season, Lillard had been traded for just $1, concluding a remarkable run with the Trail Blazers.

Over nine All-Star appearances, he averaged an impressive 24.6 points per game, contrasting with his previous high of 32.2 points per game.

Lillard had a shooting split of 46/37/91 during the 2022-23 season, which declined to 43/36/92 in Milwaukee. Unfortunately, he also suffered an Achilles injury during the Bucks’ playoff defeat to the Pacers.

Following this stint, Lillard returned to Portland, signing a three-year contract worth over $40 million.

Many were taken aback by Lillard’s recent moves, but Goodwin attempted to frame it positively, referring to it as an “incredible opportunity” for the star guard. The Bucks made the decision to part ways with Lillard after securing former Pacers center Miles Turner with a surprising four-year deal valued at around $109 million.

In an effort to clear cap space for Turner, the Bucks used exemptions and stretch offers to release Lillard’s contracts. Though Lillard is no longer with the team, he will still receive $113 million, which covers the remainder of his first contract with the Bucks, but spread out over five years instead of two.

Additionally, he will soon start receiving funds from his new deal with the Trail Blazers.