Damian Lillard abruptly became a free agent on Tuesday prompting plenty of NBA rumors about the guard's next team following his release by the Milwaukee Bucks. While the Bucks cut ties with the 9-time All-Star, there appears to be plenty of interest in the veteran.
Lillard is recovering from an Achilles injury, and the guard may not be eager to sign a new deal. ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Jamal Collier reported that Lillard is unlikely to sign a deal with a new team for the 2025-26 season.
"But while it might not seem like a fitting end for Lillard's Milwaukee stint, it arguably gives him the best possible outcome for his career moving forward," Bontemps and Collier wrote on Wednesday.
Milwaukee Bucks
Former Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard faces a decision on his future.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
"While at least the current expectation, sources said, is that Lillard won't sign with anyone for the 2025-26 season, he now will get all of the money owed to him and will get the chance to spend the next 12 to 18 months rehabbing his injury then choosing his next destination for the first time in his career as an unrestricted free agent," Bontemps and Collier added.
"Though Lillard is a free agent now, there aren't many reasons for any team to rush to sign him now -- or for him to seek a deal now."
Lillard has been active on social media following his surprising release by Milwaukee. One of the guard's Instagram Story posts on Wednesday seems to indicate the star is not in a hurry to make a decision as Lillard shared the following quote.
"A man in tune with himself don't move fast. ...He moves correct," Lillard reposted the quote on his Instagram Story.
The Athletic reported that teams like the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have already shown an interest in adding Lillard.