One of the most closely watched names in this year’s free agency period is Damian Lillard. The veteran guard, who spent last season with the Milwaukee Bucks, is now at the center of growing speculation regarding his next destination for the upcoming NBA season. While the Golden State Warriors were initially floated as a potential landing spot, recent developments suggest Lillard may have other preferences in mind.
The Bucks made headlines earlier this week when they unexpectedly waived Lillard, a move that shocked much of the NBA community. According to multiple reports, the decision stemmed from internal disagreements over the All-Star’s rehabilitation process. Lillard, who is recovering from an Achilles injury, reportedly wanted to complete his rehab in Portland to be close to his family — a request the Bucks were hesitant to approve.
NBA insider Chris Haynes revealed further details on NBA TV, noting that Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, informed the Bucks of the player’s preference to remain in Portland during recovery. “I was told that some people within the Bucks did not approve of that, and there was kind of some back-and-forth right there,” Haynes said, highlighting the tension between Lillard’s camp and Milwaukee’s front office.
On Friday, Lillard appeared to drop a subtle hint about his future. He shared an image on Instagram showing himself rehabbing, with a mannequin of his old Trail Blazers jersey visible in the background — sparking speculation about a possible return to Portland. The post, which also indicated he may be back in Oregon, added fuel to the narrative that Lillard remains emotionally tied to his former franchise.
Despite the Portland connection, Lillard is attracting interest from several high-profile teams. The seven-time All-Star is still seen as a major asset, particularly for franchises aiming to contend for a title in 2025. Given his scoring ability and leadership qualities, Lillard would bring immediate value to any team in the playoff mix.
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According to a joint report from The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Sam Amick, and Joe Vardon, the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers are among the franchises expressing strong interest in acquiring Lillard. All three teams are looking to bolster their rosters ahead of what is expected to be a competitive season.
“Not surprisingly, league sources say Lillard received calls from several contending teams quickly after the news of his Bucks’ ending broke,” wrote the trio at The Athletic. “The Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers are known to be among the many teams that would have interest in doing a deal sooner rather than later.”
With free agency heating up and speculation surrounding Lillard’s next move intensifying, the coming days could be pivotal. Whether he returns to Portland or joins another title-hungry contender, one thing is certain: Damian Lillard’s next chapter is set to be one of the most impactful stories of the offseason.
