On the surface, the Milwaukee Bucks' decision to cut ties with Damian Lillard was shocking. However, after learning everything that was going on behind the scenes, such as the Bucks preparing to look at trade scenarios and Lillard's rumored desire to always wind back up in Portland, the move to cut bait and begin a new era makes plenty of sense.
Things may have looked different in Milwaukee right now had Damian Lillard not torn his Achilles in the playoffs. Per ESPN's Jamal Collier, a last-ditch scenario involving trading Lillard in an attempt to find another star to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo was potentially being considered.