The Milwaukee Bucks are positioning themselves for a strong showing in the 2025-26 NBA season, with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the charge in his 13th year. A significant offseason move was the acquisition of Myles Turner on a four-year deal, filling the gap left by Brook Lopez's departure. However, this acquisition came at the expense of waiving Damian Lillard, despite his contract having only two years left. This decision signals a commitment to keeping Antetokounmpo content, suggesting a focus on immediate competitiveness rather than holding onto Lillard, who is now a free agent.

Potentially impacting the Bucks, Lillard's next destination could be the Boston Celtics, especially as they deal with Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury, which might allow Lillard to recover fully before returning to form. If Lillard can regain his previous elite level in Boston, it could create challenges for the Bucks in playoff scenarios, particularly if they meet in key matchups. The Bucks must now navigate this evolving landscape while focusing on maintaining their championship aspirations amidst significant roster changes.