The Milwaukee Bucks shocked the NBA community to its very core when they made the surprising decision to waive Damian Lillard.
The former Portland Trail Blazers will still get his paychecks from the Bucks all the way through 2029 in what will be the largest waive-and-stretch the league has ever seen.
More importantly, that also means that Lillard is now officially a free agent, and, unsurprisingly, there will be no shortage of suitors for his services.
As a matter of fact, three big-market teams have already expressed an interest in making a run at him, according to a report by The Athletic:
"League sources say the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are known to be among the many teams that would have interest in doing a deal sooner rather than later," read the report.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard walks the ball upcourt against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum on Feb. 23, 2025.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard walks the ball upcourt against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum on Feb. 23, 2025.
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Then again, given that he's still out nursing a season-ending Achilles injury and might not be able to suit up next season at all, he might want to sit this free-agent signing round and wait until he's back to full strength:
"The question is whether he wants to sign with a team now and rehabilitate while under their care or wait until next summer to reassess the situation," the report added.
Lillard will no longer have any sort of pressure to get back on the court, and money isn't likely to be a factor in his upcoming free agency decision.
The Bucks, in the meantime, will have to figure out a way to stay competitive despite having Lillard's money on their books, all while appeasing their franchise player after moving on from his leading-scoring teammate.