Damian Lillard is now an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career after the Milwaukee Bucks surprisingly waived him and stretched out the last two years of his contract. Approaching 35 and recovering from a torn ACL suffered in the playoffs, Lillard has the chance to sign with his preferred team. Although originally set to wait until next summer to join a new team while rehabbing, there are reports that the nine-time All-Star might consider signing this summer if the conditions are right.
Several teams like the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers have shown interest, but since none of them urgently need a starting point guard, it’s uncertain how these potential fits would work. Lillard is expected to miss most or all of the upcoming season but is unlikely to come off the bench when he’s healthy. For instance, pairing him with Luka Doncic on the Lakers could create a powerful backcourt, but matching him with established stars in Boston or Golden State presents challenges.
Initially, Lillard preferred to be traded to the Miami Heat, but the situation has changed, especially with Jimmy Butler gone, leaving the Heat less competitive than before. Another path for Lillard could be sitting out the entire next season to fully recover and then join a championship contender in the summer. Regardless of timing, Lillard plans to pick a team that gives him the best chance to compete for a title.
The trade marks a significant pay cut for Lillard, who was set to earn about $22.5 million annually with Milwaukee over the next five years. The Bucks chose to waive and restructure his contract to make room for signing Miles Turner elsewhere. While it’s unclear what kind of contract Lillard will accept next, it’s expected he’ll take a lower salary for an opportunity to play for a contender.
Fan Take: Damian Lillard’s potential move signals a major shift in the NBA’s landscape, as a top-tier star prioritizes championship contention over salary. This development could ignite a new wave of player mobility, where elite athletes seek winning teams, elevating the overall competitiveness and excitement in the league.
