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What led to the Bucks decision to waive Damian Lillard?

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski discusses what led to the Bucks decision to waive Damian Lillard, enabling them to sign Myles Turner.

The Milwaukee Bucks are adding another player during a busy off-season.

This time, the team is signing a player it waived two weeks ago.

The Bucks announced on July 16 that they are re-signing Chris Livingston. ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the signing, stating that Livingston agreed to a guaranteed, one-year deal worth $2.3 million.

What makes it interesting is that the Bucks waived Livingston on July 2 before his then $2.2 million salary would become guaranteed.

Here’s what Milwaukee Bucks roster looks like now

Per Charania, the Bucks are also the free-agent landing spot for guard Cole Anthony. With Livingston now returning, here is what the Bucks’ roster looks like.

Unless another move is made to open up a roster spot, this likely means that second-round pick Bogoljub Marković will not be rostered next season. Anthony and Livingston would give the Bucks 14 guaranteed contracts, with Andre Jackson Jr. at the 15th spot on a partially guaranteed deal.

Point guards — Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, Cole AnthonyShooting guards — Gary Trent Jr., AJ Green, Gary HarrisWings — Kyle Kuzma, Taurean Prince, Andre Jackson Jr., Chris LivingstonForwards — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Tyler Smith, Bogoljub Marković*Centers — Myles Turner, Jericho SimsLikely two-way contracts — Mark Sears, Pete Nance, Jamaree Bouyea

* Could remain in Serbia and not be rostered by the Bucks in 2025-26.

Chris Livingston has been good at NBA summer league

The 21-year-old Livingston was the No. 58 pick in the 2023 draft out of Kentucky. Livingston was given the largest deal ever for a second-round pick at $7.7 million over four years. 

He appeared in only 42 games for the Bucks over the past two seasons, also playing in 27 contests in the G League with the Wisconsin Herd.

Despite getting waived by the Bucks, Livingston was still added to the team’s roster for the NBA summer league in Las Vegas. He has been good in the team’s first three games, averaging 20 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 50%.

His re-signing gives the Bucks more depth at the wing.