Damian Lillard tore his Achilles during Game 4 of the Milwaukee Bucks' first-round playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers. Lillard underwent successful surgery a few days later, but the injury still meant the end of his time with the Bucks as the team chose to stretch his contract and waive him to make him a free agent.

The Celtics were linked as a possible suitor for Damian Lillard shortly after the Bucks bought him out of his contract.