In a rather surprising turn of events in NBA free agency, the Milwaukee Bucks have opted to waive Damian Lillard and stretch the remaining $113 million on his contract.
Milwaukee made the move in order to sign former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, who agreed to a four-year, $107 million deal with the Wisconsin-based franchise.
Lillard is currently recovering from the Achilles tear he suffered during the 2024-25 playoffs. The star guard picked up the injury in Game 4 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers.
While Lillard is expected to miss the whole 2025-26 campaign due to his injury, it hasn't deterred talks about his potential next team. The Miami Heat have been mentioned as a team interested in Lillard, while betting odds also point to the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers as possible destinations.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been given solid odds as well to pursue Lillard — at +800, per Sportsbetting.ag — and fans appear supportive of the idea of the team making a run for the nine-time All-Star.
After news dropped that Lillard had been waived, several Lakers fans actually urged the Purple and Gold franchise to sign him.
"@Lakers need to reach out to Damian Lillard, and sign my boy after figuring out this center situation," a commenter wrote. Another one said, "Forget Al Horford, go get Damian Lillard man. @JeanieBuss @lakers."
"Damian Lillard need to come to the Lakers fr.. what a dream team," a fan added.
A supporter remarked, "IF THE LAKERS DONT SIGN DAMIAN LILLARD IMA BE PISSED OFF WE DIDNT SIGN NOBODY THIS FREE AGENCY."
"omg lakers sign damian lillard to a minimum now," a social media user demanded the Lakers.
"If I’m the Lakers right now I’m on the phone with Damian Lillard agent bring him to LA," a sixth follower stated.
A poster shared, "Woah - Bucks have waived Damian Lillard !!! @Lakers lets goooo."
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard during game two of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Damian Lillard has been released by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
It remains to be seen where Lillard will end up landing, but it's worth noting that he was reportedly "elated" by his release from the Bucks because "he’ll be able to join the contending team of his choosing, either sometime soon or perhaps next summer, without the financial aspect of the decision playing a significant part."