
On Tuesday, the Milwaukee Bucks pulled off one of the most surprising moves of 2025 NBA free agency when they signed away Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner. But to make enough room to get him on the payroll and not go into salary cap hell, they surprisingly waived future Hall of Famer Damian Lillard.
Now, for the first time in his impressive career, the 34-year-old is a free agent. However, he is a man who might not be able to play in the 2025-26 season after rupturing his Achilles during the playoffs. Which makes his free agency unpredictable. Especially since the waiver agreement with Milwaukee will see him earn $22 million annually over the next five years.
With all of that in mind, let’s look at five teams that could target the nine-time All-Star.
Miami Heat

The Miami Heat have been linked to various superstars in trade rumors over the last few years, including Damian Lillard. Yet, the franchise has yet to make a blockbuster deal. They need more firepower but may not have the trade assets to get a big deal done. That is why Lillard could be an option even coming off his Achilles injury. Plus, he may take a very team-friendly deal for the chance to start. If he can get close to being the player he was in 2024-25, he, Tyler Herro, and Bam Adebayo will be a good trio at the end of this season or next.
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Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic got the playmaker and three-point shooter they badly needed when they traded for Desmond Bane this summer. However, you can never have enough of those two traits when contending for the Eastern Conference Finals. The idea of getting a great point guard who is also one of the best three-point shooters in NBA history will appeal to Orlando for the right price. And with the Magic, Lillard might get a chance at significant playing time on a young and talented roster.
Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings got the point guard they wanted in Dennis Schroder in NBA free agency. However, if Lillard can be anywhere close to the player he was recently, he is a big upgrade over the German. And sending Schroder to their bench would greatly improve that unit. The Kings have a lot of talent. If new full-time head coach Doug Christie can make it work, they would certainly appeal to Lillard. And the feeling would be mutual if he were willing to take a team-friendly pact.
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Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons firmly believe in their young core. It is why they let Schroder walk in free agency. They have rarely spent huge sums on free agents or made blockbuster trades. But they could use more proven, veteran playmakers. That is why they could be intrigued by Lillard if the price is right. Even if he isn’t the player he once was athletically, if he can still be an elite three-point threat, it further opens the floor for top star Cade Cunningham in the playoffs next year or in 2026-27.
Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns are in the midst of a roster remodel after trading Kevin Durant this summer. Rumors suggest they are also so over Bradley Beal, they could pay him to stay home. To fill his spot later in the season or in 2026-27, they could kick the tires on Damian Lillard. Adding another playmaker to help set up Devin Booker and Jalen Green could help give Phoenix one of the best offenses in the league when the NBA legend returns.
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