NBA Rumors: Damian Lillard reportedly on radar of Eastern Conference team after being waived by Milwaukee

On Tuesday, the NBA was shaken by the news that Damian Lillard had been waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, in what appears to be the franchise’s attempt to build a more competitive roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo. The move leaves the 34-year-old point guard in an unexpected position as he considers his next steps in his professional career.

Lillard is currently recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in early May during Game 4 of the first round of the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers. Having undergone surgery just two months ago, he still faces a long road to full recovery.

That helps explain, at least in part, the Bucks’ decision to let him go, despite his status as one of the key players on the roster. But it also gives Dame a significant advantage as he maps out his future: he doesn’t need to rush into a decision about where to play next and can take his time evaluating his options.

In that context, one of the first teams to emerge as a potential destination is the Miami Heat. According to NBA writer Tim Reynolds, the Florida franchise is expected to have interest in signing Damian Lillard, even knowing they likely won’t have him available for most of the upcoming season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo lost one of his main teammates in Milwaukee.

The Heat are in the middle of a rebuilding phase after a disappointing year that was defined more by internal conflicts involving Jimmy Butler and ensuing trade rumors than by the team’s performance on the court.

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NBA Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s reported reaction to Damian Lillard being waived by the Bucks

With Tyler Herro reaching his best level since entering the league in the 2024–25 season, Bam Adebayo firmly established as the team’s leader, and the anticipation of what Andrew Wiggins can contribute, Miami still needs at least one more top-tier star to emerge as a true title contender in the East. A healthy Lillard could be exactly that.

However, the situation facing the point guard suggests his decision about the future may not come immediately. Reporter Barry Jackson, per source, said that Lillard “will spend some time deciding whether he wants to sign multi-year deal with team and rehab a year or just sit out a year without being on a team.”

As for the possibility of Damian accepting a potential offer from the Heat, Jackson offered an optimistic outlook: “He has always liked Miami… and that hasn’t changed, though he will be open to considering everything presented.”