Damian Lillard’s future in the NBA has taken a dramatic turn as he effectively won the basketball lottery, gaining the rare chance to choose his next team after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks. This change came after the Bucks signed Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal, stretching Lillard’s remaining $113 million contract over the next five years to clear salary cap space. Now, Lillard’s options have opened across the league, allowing him to decide where he will continue his career once he recovers from a torn Achilles sustained during the playoffs.
Understanding the Bucks’ Financial Maneuver and Its Consequences
The Bucks’ approach to handling Lillard’s contract involves waiving him and spreading out his salary payment, rather than paying the full amount over the next two seasons. Instead of owing $54.1 million this season and $58.6 million the next, Milwaukee will extend these payments across five years at approximately $22.5 million annually. This means Lillard will receive a substantial paycheck without playing for the team, freeing him from Milwaukee’s on-court plans while leaving the franchise financially burdened for years to come.
Despite this, Lillard is not expected to sit idle and disappear. Instead, he will use the next year to focus on rehabilitating his Achilles tendon in a less pressured environment while evaluating his basketball options. His contract structure provides flexibility that makes his salary a non-issue for any interested team, possibly allowing him to join a new squad for a much-reduced salary or even a veteran minimum deal.
The Player’s Relief and Market Appeal Post-Move
According to The Athletic, Lillard is thrilled with this turn of events, feeling liberated from a worsening situation in Milwaukee. This freedom positions him to explore many possibilities league-wide, each offering different opportunities based on the teams‘ needs and rosters. Having a guaranteed income regardless of where he plays creates significant leverage for Lillard as he plans the next phase of his career.
Potential Teams That Could Welcome Lillard
Basketball analyst Sam Quinn has identified five key teams where Lillard could thrive. Portland stands out as a natural destination, representing a return home and a familiar environment. Miami remains attractive, as it was Lillard’s preferred choice during previous trade talks. Denver could offer a unique chance to play alongside Nikola Jokic, although Lillard would likely serve as a secondary playmaker behind Jamal Murray. Cleveland presents a strong title-contending option, combining solid talent around Lillard. Minnesota also offers a promising fit, pairing Lillard as the starting point guard with an already strong defense and a superstar teammate.
Beyond these, other franchises might also be in the running. Boston will soon have a formidable roster featuring Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White, possibly providing a championship-contending team in the near future. Orlando is one roster spot away from contention, lacking only a top-tier point guard—Lillard could fill that void. Houston offers another supercharged defense paired with a star to complement Lillard’s skills, while the Warriors might tempt the point guard with his hometown connection to Oakland. The Spurs could also harness Lillard’s veteran experience as a backup to De’Aaron Fox, building around emerging talent such as Victor Wembanyama.
Lillard’s Unmatched Value and League-Wide Interest
With his contract situation, Lillard represents an exceptional value for any team. While a $50 million salary has been a barrier, the possibility of him accepting a veteran minimum salary or something close offers an unprecedented talent-to-cost ratio. Few players of his caliber would become available at this price point, making Lillard a coveted asset across the NBA. Teams lacking a strong point guard or seeking a transformative veteran will be eager to acquire him, setting up a wide array of potential landing spots.
The Bucks’ Bold but Risky Decision and Its Wider Impact
Milwaukee’s front office deserves recognition for their willingness to make aggressive moves to compete in the Giannis Antetokounmpo era, repeatedly shaking up their roster. They first acquired Jrue Holiday at great cost, which resulted in an NBA championship. Subsequently, they acquired Lillard in hopes of further strengthening the team, though that later turned out to be a precarious gamble.
Their latest move to bring in Turner, however, is viewed by many as a miscalculation. While Turner is a capable player, the financial strain caused by stretching Lillard’s contract to accommodate him raises doubts about Milwaukee’s future competitiveness. Despite Turner’s talents, the Bucks risk mortgaging their ability to build a true contender, especially with rumors lingering about Giannis’ potential desire to leave. Fans and analysts alike are skeptical that this strategy creates more than a fourth or fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, which risks early playoff exits rather than genuine championship contention.
What Lies Ahead for Lillard and the NBA Landscape
For Damian Lillard, this off-court victory allows him to pick a destination that suits both his basketball ambitions and personal preferences while rehabilitating from injury. His next team could shape the balance of power across the league, as acquiring a star of his caliber at below-market salary would be a game-changer. Meanwhile, the Bucks face an uncertain future, financially hamstrung and lacking clear direction after this controversial roster overhaul.
As teams assess their rosters heading into the new season, Lillard’s basketball lottery options highlight an extraordinary moment in NBA history—where one player’s contract dynamics can instantly redraw competitive maps and fan expectations. The coming months will reveal where Lillard lands and whether Milwaukee’s gamble will accelerate their rebuild or push them further into uncertainty.