Image Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Damian Lillard Landing Spots: Where Will All-Star Guard Move After Bucks Waive?

Where will Damian Lillard land next?

Image Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Bucks waived point guard Damian Lillard after his two-season long stay, and acquired Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers. Lillard had two years and almost $113 million left on his contract, which means the Bucks had almost $56 million hitting their books annually. The franchise used the cap-relief technique, which means that Lillard’s contract will now be stretched over the next five seasons at $22.5 million annually.

Notably, in the first round of the NBA Playoffs 2025, Lillard suffered a torn Achilles tendon, putting an end to his season. Not only this, but his availability for the upcoming season also remains in doubt. The nine-time NBA All-Star is a free agent now, and can decide where and when he wants to play. He will be getting paid, which allows him to focus solely on his recovery first.

Just in: The Milwaukee Bucks are waiving Damian Lillard and stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract in order to acquire Myles Turner, sources tell ESPN. Lillard's two seasons in Milwaukee come to an end as he rehabilitates a torn Achilles tendon. pic.twitter.com/eg1D1TMFM6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025

Top Three Landing Spots for Damian Lillard

But, if he wishes to sign a new deal, which team would he choose next? There are several teams who would want Lillard to fill a role after his injury, if not a full timer. Here are the three teams that we think might be the next landing spots for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game MVP.

Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard started his career with the Portland Trail Blazers after he was selected by the franchise as the sixth overall pick in 2012. He spent a total of eleven seasons with the franchise, and has been apart from the team for only two years now. If there is no resentment about how things ended between the two parties, Lillard would probably wish for a homecoming considering he knows and trusts people there. Moreover, he has his family there, and the team is in need of a shooter.

Miami Heat

Lillard wanted to go to the Miami Heat in 2023, and there are reports that the franchise might still be interested in acquiring him. However, things have changed a bit now. The Heat are constantly looking for star players. While Lillard is not the excellent shooter he once was, the 34-year-old finished the recent past season at an average of 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. He definitely carries the skills.

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs might be another name that could pursue Lillard. They recently let go with their point guard Chirs Paul, and have De’Aaron Fox entering the 2025-26 campaign on the final year of contract. If he doesn’t resign with the franchise after the season, Lillard might step up for the role.

Apart from the aforementioned teams, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves might also show interest in the star point guard.

Damian Lillard

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.