Damian Lillard is thrilled after being waived by the Bucks, giving him the freedom to join any contending team. The Miami Heat are among the top teams showing interest.
The recent decision by the Milwaukee Bucks to waive Damian Lillard has put the star guard in a unique and powerful position, according to league sources, per The Athletic.
Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard
MIN: 35.53
PTS: 24.07 (57.65%)
REB: 4.57
As: 6.95
ST: 1.18
BL: 0.2
TO: 2.7
GM: 61
Lillard is reportedly elated by the move, which allows him to join a contending team of his choice without the financial constraints that typically influence such decisions.
This is a rare situation for an All-Star player, giving him freedom that few others at his level have experienced in NBA history.
With Lillard still owed $54.1 million for the upcoming season and $58.4 million for the 2026-27 campaign, there is a salary offset that any team acquiring him would have to manage.
However, Lillard could theoretically sign a minimum-salary deal with a new team and still receive his full salary from the Bucks. This flexibility places the future Hall of Famer in his mid-30s in an enviable position, especially considering he has yet to win an NBA championship.
The timing of this waiver comes after a strong season for Lillard, where he averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists while shooting 44.8% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range.
Despite his solid numbers, the Bucks’ decision to waive him was part of a larger roster move that allowed them to acquire center Myles Turner, who signed a four-year, $107 million contract.
Since the waiver, Lillard has been the focus of interest from multiple contending teams, with calls coming in quickly after news broke.
According to a source close to the situation, Lillard will spend some time deciding whether to sign a multi-year deal with a team this offseason or start the upcoming season without a team as he rehabs from his injury.
The Miami Heat are expected to show interest in Lillard, and sources say the star guard remains interested in playing for Miami, per the Miami Herald.
NBA insider Chris Haynes added, "Look out for the Miami Heat. Throw Portland in there as well," when discussing Lillard’s potential next destination.
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