Three of the NBA’s most prominent franchises — the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors — are rumored to be serious contenders for unexpected free agent Damian Lillard.
“League sources say Lillard received calls from several contending teams quickly after the news of his Bucks’ ending broke. 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,” The Athletic NBA insiders Eric Nehm, Sam Amick, and Joe Vardon report.
Related: Damian Lillard shockingly hits NBA free agency- 5 potential landings spots, including the Heat and Suns
The future Hall of Famer became a surprising addition to NBA free agency this week. When the Milwaukee Bucks decided to waive him. The decision was made so that they could make room on their books for the addition of Indiana Pacers veteran Myles Turner. In the agreement, the Bucks will pay Lillard over $22 million annually over the next five years.
So the nine-time All-Star could sign a very team-friendly deal with his next club. However, it may be months before he decides on where he plays next.
Damian Lillard stats (2024-25): 24.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 7.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 38% 3PT
Could Damian Lillard wait until next summer to sign with his next team?
damian lillard
Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
What makes Lillard’s free agency different then most is that there is a very good chance he could miss all of the 2025-26 season. In the opening round of the playoffs, the NBA great ruptured his Achilles. The rehabilitation for the injury could take a year. And The Athletic insiders suggest he might wait until that is completed and see how he feels before choosing a new team.
“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,” they wrote. “The Bucks, who will have to operate with Lillard’s money clogging their books for the next five seasons, are banking on this latest roll of the dice paying off.”
Related: Giannis Antetokounmpo incredibly unhappy Milwaukee Bucks waived Damian Lillard
After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos