Lillard's Achilles injury makes him a complicated asset for 2025-26, shifting Bucks' trade value dynamics. Milwaukee pivoted by clearing cap space to land Turner and add Anthony and Harris, aiming to preserve Giannis's prime window. Lillard's near-term value takes a hit, but if healthy in the future he could regain max-contract upside, influencing fantasy upside and trade conversations around the Bucks this season.

Lillard’s exit from Milwaukee to make room for Turner signals a reshaped backcourt and a pivot away from a two-star nucleus. Fantasy impact centers on reduced backcourt depth and a shift toward Giannis-dominated offense. Lillard’s absence also flips opportunities for early-season breakout guards as Milwaukee recalibrates.

Lillard’s status as Bucks' waiver subject adds a layer of drama to Milwaukee’s summer. His presence would have shifted defensive schemes and scoring dynamics; with him waived, the fantasy landscape shifts toward a more fluid backcourt and potential trades. The situation injects uncertainty around immediate rotation and team identity as the Bucks reassess how to maintain contention while preserving Giannis’s long-term plan.

Lillard was waived by Milwaukee after a torn Achilles, a development that clouds his near-term fantasy outlook. While he’s a former cornerstone scorer, his status and recovery timeline will heavily influence any subsequent fantasy value. The Bucks’ move to replace production around Giannis without him signals potential long-term volatility in his immediate fantasy relevance.

Lillard’s release from Milwaukee is a major offseason pivot, especially for guard rotation and cap space. The move reshapes the Bucks’ backcourt dynamics and invites speculation about who steps into bigger roles, influencing fantasy projections for a wide swath of Milwaukee players.