Damian Lillard’s Agent Criticizes the Bucks Over Controversial Departure

Damian Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, has made headlines again.

Following the Bucks’ unexpected decision to release Lillard in July 2025, Goodwin criticized the team’s system for Lillard’s lackluster stint in Milwaukee, which led to consecutive first-round eliminations by the Pacers.

“He never really had an opportunity to play as he has played the first 12 years of his career,” Goodwin mentioned to ESPN’s Jamal Collier. “He played to win in the system that he was in.”

Lillard was traded to the Bucks ahead of the 2023-24 season after a career year in Portland and an overall sensational tenure in Portland.

The nine-time All-Star saw his scoring drop from 32.2 points per game to a combined 24.6 points per contest in Milwaukee.

Lillard’s shooting splits were 46/37/91 in that 2022-23 campaign and fell to 43/36/92 in Milwaukee.

He ruptured his Achilles during the Bucks first-round loss to the Pacers, which will likely sideline him for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

Lillard later decided to return to Portland, signing a three-year deal worth over $40 million.

While many were surprised by the decision, Goodwin presented it in a more favorable context, calling it an “incredible opportunity” for the star guard.

The Bucks made the decision to release Lillard after signing ex-Pacers center Myles Turner to a surprising four-year deal worth roughly $109 million.

The Bucks got rid of Lillard’s deal using the waive and stretch provision in order to create room for Turner.

Lillard will still receive his guaranteed $113 million, which includes all the money owed for the remainder of his initial Bucks contract, but instead of receiving it over two years, he’ll get it over the next five.

He’ll then receive his new Trail Blazers money on top of that.