Bucks spark outrage by reissuing Lillard’s No. 0.
Damian Lillard's Response After Bucks' Kyle Kuzma Decision originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Milwaukee Bucks management recently made the significant decision to assign jersey number 0 to Kyle Kuzma. This gesture shocked fans who believed the number previously worn by Damian Lillard would remain unused after he was waived.
Lillard didn’t directly comment on the incident, but he did post a photo to his Instagram story showing himself holding the Portland Trail Blazers jersey bearing the No. 0, accompanied by a pointed caption.
"If I send u dis, jus kno I know where home at💯💯💯," it read.
Lillard went back to his former team after the Bucks incident, signing a three-year deal worth $42 million. He tore his Achilles tendon in a game against the Indiana Pacers back in April and is expected to sit out the whole season this year.
"He'll be back as good as ever, if you know anything about him," Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups said last week.
"This year, he'll be the highest-paid assistant coach in history. I'll be putting him to work every day," Billups added.
"I ain't gonna cry, but I don't usually be feeling like this.. I feel so happy on the inside."
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 22, 2025
Damian Lillard walking into the Blazers locker room again ❤️🔥
(Via @trailblazers) pic.twitter.com/46HJPDAOVx
Meanwhile, the Bucks are aiming for title contention this year. Giannis Antetokounmpo is in his prime and expects to add another ring to his résumé. To do that, management took the step of waiving Lillard to create space for the Indiana Pacers’ Myles Turner.
After Kuzma joined the Bucks in a February trade with the Washington Wizards, he played 33 games, averaging 14.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists. But despite what appears to be a strong résumé, he failed to make any meaningful impact during the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Pacers. His 0-overall stat line during a Game 1 loss is notable.
Related: Bucks Make Historic Announcement on Tuesday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
