Josh Hart didn’t hold back when asked about the Milwaukee Bucks’ stunning decision to waive Damian Lillard this summer.

Speaking on The Roommates Show podcast, the Knicks guard reacted strongly to the news that the Bucks had waived and stretched the remaining $103 million on Lillard’s contract.

“This is Dame,” Hart said. “This is Damian Lillard, and it’s just the stuff that’s going on now is crazy.”

Milwaukee’s decision came after Lillard suffered a torn Achilles in Game 4 of the team’s first-round loss to Indiana. With limited cap flexibility, the Bucks chose to waive the seven-time All-Star on July 1 and stretch his remaining salary to open space for free-agent center Myles Turner, who they signed to a four-year, $107 million deal.

What many expected to be a drawn-out free agency process for Lillard ended quickly. The veteran point guard has since signed a three-year, $42 million deal to return to the Portland Trail Blazers — the franchise where he spent the first 11 years of his career and became a legend.

Hart played briefly with Lillard in Portland from 2022 to early 2023 and clearly still holds his former teammate in high regard. His reaction echoes the sentiment of many around the league, who were stunned to see Lillard cut loose just one year after arriving in Milwaukee.

Lillard’s move back to Portland gives him stability during his recovery, and it reunites him with a franchise where he remains a beloved figure. He’s expected to miss most of the 2025–26 season but will continue rehabbing in an organization built around familiarity and support.

As for Milwaukee, the decision to part with Lillard after just one year — and stretch over $100 million of his contract — adds pressure to a front office now banking on Turner and internal development to keep them competitive in the East.