After two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, the team decided to part ways with star point guard Damian Lillard.
The nine-time All-Star was waived with the Bucks stretching out the remainder of his $113 million contract over the next five seasons ($22.5 million per year) in order to afford new $107 million big man Myles Turner.
Lillard, who’s recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in Gam4 of Milwaukee’s first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, is expected to miss most of the 2025-26 season. But the good news is he’s free to sign with a championship contender to boost their playoff odds when he does decide to make his on-court return — a situation that Lillard is reportedly intrigued by, according to John Hollinger of The Athletic.
“League sources say Damian Lillard is elated with the Bucks’ decision to waive and stretch his contract, as it puts him in the kind of basketball-first position that few All-Star level players, if any, have experienced in league history,” Hollinger wrote.
“In short, 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.”
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While Lillard’s recovery timetable is a lengthy one—the average recovery period for NBA players with Achilles tears is roughly 10 months, putting Lillard’s return date around February 2026—there’s still optimism he could return toward the tail end of next season and be ready to make an impact in the playoffs.
In fact, top NBA insider Chris Haynes reported on Thursday that Lillard is already eyeing the best situation for him next season.
“Sources: Free agent star Damian Lillard is open to signing with a team this offseason under the right terms and conditions as he continues rehabbing,” Haynes wrote. “He is receiving ample interest, but is in no rush to make a decision.”
Sources: Free agent star Damian Lillard is open to signing with a team this offseason under the right terms and conditions as he continues rehabbing. He is receiving ample interest, but is in no rush to make a decision.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 4, 2025
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Lillard is expected to have his pick of suitors when he does return to the court — a group that reportedly includes the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Portland Trail Blazers, among others.
The 34-year-old guard is coming off a strong season in 2024, averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game while playing 36.1 minutes per game. He led the Bucks in assists and ranked second on the team in scoring behind two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (30.4 points per game).
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