The NBA offseason took an unexpected turn when the Milwaukee Bucks officially parted ways with Damian Lillard, sparking a frenzy among top-tier teams eager to secure the star point guard’s signature. What started as whispers quickly snowballed into one of the league’s most closely followed stories—with Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Boston Celtics now emerging as serious contenders for the 34-year-old veteran.
A Sudden Breakup: Bucks Release Lillard Amid Cap-Space Maneuvering
The Bucks shocked many by releasing Lillard—not due to a lack of talent, but rather as part of a bold salary cap restructuring. The team reportedly exercised a contract extension clause before waiving him, allowing them to spread $22.5 million in dead cap over the next five years. In doing so, they freed up enough room to offer Myles Turner a four-year, $107 million deal as part of their ongoing efforts to retool the roster and keep Giannis Antetokounmpo content.
This move effectively makes Lillard a free agent for the first time in his career, creating a rare opportunity for rival franchises to land a player of his caliber without negotiating a trade.
Top Teams Lining Up: Warriors, Lakers, and Celtics All Make Contact
According to Marc J. Spears of ESPN, the Golden State Warriors were quick to act—reportedly contacting Lillard within hours of the Bucks’ announcement. The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Sam Amick, and Joe Vardon added that both the Lakers and Celtics are also showing serious interest, joining the Warriors in what’s shaping up to be a high-stakes bidding war.
While none of these teams are flush with cap space, their interest is no surprise. Each is seeking to elevate their championship odds but is limited by luxury tax restrictions and salary cap apron rules. Here’s where things currently stand:
- Boston Celtics began the free agency period with just $7.4 million below the first apron.
- Los Angeles Lakers had roughly $4 million in flexibility under the same constraint.
- Golden State Warriors enjoy slightly more breathing room with $17 million under the tax line, but they’re still navigating restricted free agency negotiations with Jonathan Kuminga.
Why Golden State Holds the Edge
Of the three franchises, the Warriors may have a personal advantage—Lillard grew up in Oakland, just minutes away from Chase Center. The idea of the hometown hero returning to the Bay Area for a potential title run could be an irresistible narrative—for fans and for Lillard himself.
The Lakers and Celtics, though not current frontrunners in the title race, are iconic franchises with strong supporting casts. Both are in a position to be competitive if they can make the right adjustments around Lillard, assuming health and chemistry align.
Flexibility for the Future: Lillard’s Contract Structure Makes Him a Low-Risk, High-Reward Asset
What makes this scenario even more compelling is that any team signing Lillard now—or even next season—can potentially get him at a veteran’s minimum salary, while he continues to receive full payouts from the Bucks due to the buyout structure. This unique financial setup means Lillard’s new club won’t need to break the bank to bring in elite-level talent.
That flexibility could prove invaluable for teams already stretched thin by salary cap rules, allowing them to allocate resources to build depth while still securing a star-caliber guard.
Uncertainty Around 2025–26 Season Return Timeline
However, there’s one caveat: Lillard is still recovering from an Achilles injury. His timeline for return remains unclear. According to Spears, there’s speculation that Lillard could make a comeback around the NBA All-Star break in 2026. But other reports, including those by Tim Bontemps and Jamal Collier of ESPN, suggest that Lillard may sit out the entire 2025–2026 season, focusing on full recovery before making his next move.
Until there’s more clarity on his health status, Lillard might delay signing with a team, opting to wait until the next offseason to fully assess his options.
The Ball is in Lillard’s Court
As the NBA offseason heats up, Damian Lillard has found himself in an enviable position—a highly coveted, financially flexible free agent with championship pedigree. Despite injury concerns, his name continues to dominate headlines, with elite teams like the Warriors, Lakers, and Celtics leading the pursuit.
Whether he chooses to make an early return to a title-contending roster or wait until fully recovered before making his next move, one thing is certain: Damian Lillard’s next chapter will shape the NBA landscape in a big way.
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