NBA Rumors: Damian Lillard’s next season destination reportedly has a leading contender

As Damian Lillard works toward a full recovery from his Achilles injury, speculation about his future is mounting, with various reports suggesting potential landing spots for the 35-year-old veteran. Notably, there is now a leading contender to acquire Lillard, who was recently waived by the Milwaukee Bucks during the offseason.

Lillard’s tenure with the Bucks ended on a sour note last season, as he exited the playoff scene with a season-ending Achilles injury. This setback was a significant factor in Milwaukee’s inability to advance further and maintain their championship hopes.

Compounding the Bucks’ challenges was the concurrent injury to Giannis Antetokounmpo, which hampered their playoff performance and derailed their quest for another NBA championship.

Looking ahead, Lillard’s next move in the NBA appears promising. According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Boston Celtics have emerged as frontrunners to secure Lillard’s talents for the upcoming season, potentially teaming him with Jayson Tatum in what could become a formidable partnership.

Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks leaves the court after attending a game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on May 30, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the Sparks 96-81.

Could the Celtics cope with Lillard and Tatum injured?

The Celtics face a significant challenge with Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury sustained during the playoffs. As Tatum works on his recovery, the Celtics’ fan base eagerly anticipates the emergence of other players who can fill the void, similar to the impact a player like Brook Lopez once had.

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Lillard has become the center of much offseason speculation. The primary concern for the Celtics is managing the absence of two of their top players, should they acquire Lillard. Both players, recovering from Achilles injuries like Kevin Durant did, face uncertain paths back to peak performance. Durant, in an interview with LeBron James, emphasized the challenges of returning from such injuries.

With the Celtics’ faithful hoping for a return to championship contention, Lillard’s potential acquisition is under scrutiny, particularly regarding his health. Meanwhile, Tatum’s anticipated comeback is expected to spearhead the team’s efforts next season.

Other teams eyeing Lillard

While the Celtics are rumored to be the frontrunners for Damian Lillard’s services, other franchises are reportedly in the hunt for the former Milwaukee Bucks star. The Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves are also potential suitors, each eyeing Lillard to bolster their rosters for the upcoming NBA season.