As most of the NBA fans already know, Damian Lillard is being released by the Milwaukee Bucks. While most of the fans and almost all of the NBA veterans are criticizing this decision, some people are talking about this matter in a different tone. From these people, Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, is the most well-known one. He stated that this move is not a setback but a rare moment of empowerment for his client. In a statement he gave to the media this week, he called the release an incredible opportunity for the eight-time All-Star player, Damian Lillard.
A Rare Kind of Freedom in Today’s NBA
Goodwin’s opinion and statement highlight something fans rarely hear: a star player being happy about being released. While most usually see being released as a career hurdle, Goodwin sees it differently. He stated, “He receives all of his money guaranteed,” and “it provides him an opportunity to decide his next destination as an unrestricted free agent.” This kind of freedom in a league, which is being dominated by trades and long contracts, is a big deal, especially for a veteran player like Lillard, who actively draws major interest around the league.
Lillard’s surprise injury and time off also affect how fans and bettors engage with the game. Since the domestic betting platforms’ odds are fluctuating because of this, many fans turn to international sites for US players. They do this to stay closely connected to NBA action and also because these platforms usually offer much wider betting options and markets. So, while Lillard is recovering, the Bucks and bettors adjust, making this phase a unique moment.
Family First: Lillard’s Priorities Come into Focus
According to Goodwin, one of the biggest wins in this release for Lillard is personal, not professional. In his tweet, he wrote, “He gets a chance to rehab at home if he chooses to and be with his family and his kids for the next year.” Lillard’s home is still in Oregon, which is a long way from Milwaukee. Now he can travel back and forth without being in a hurry while also balancing rehab and fatherhood, making this business decision empathizing. While the Bucks may have cut ties, Lillard gains back time he’s rarely had since entering the league professionally.
The family angle is also tied to tension, which has been building up behind the scenes. Many reports have stated that the Bucks were frustrated by Lillard’s request to rehab in Portland. What some saw as a lack of commitment may have simply been a father trying to stay connected to his children. Now, with no schedule or work-related road trips, Lillard can prioritize health, healing, and most importantly, family. This kind of opportunity is something many NBA stars can only dream about.
What Comes Next: A Market Waiting for Dame
Even with a torn Achilles and no return date in sight, Lillard’s market value hasn’t dipped. According to multiple reports, Lillard has received plenty of interest from teams since the release became public. This interest, combined with Goodwin’s statement, shows that Lillard’s next chapter in the league is more of a when than an if. Regardless of the interest and future offers, right now, Lillard has something almost every player wants: time, freedom, and leverage.
Goodwin’s comments also reset the narrative around Lillard. Instead of viewing him as an injured asset or a poor fit in Milwaukee, he’s being positioned as a rested and recharged all-star veteran with championship aspirations and full control over his next move. So, after all, the release wasn’t the start of a downfall; it was a strategic pivot full of potential. And as far as his agent is concerned, that’s the best deal Lillard could’ve asked for.
