The NBA can prove a hauntingly cold business. Damian Lillard learned that the hard way on Tuesday. The Bucks waived the nine-time All-Star to make space for incoming free agent Myles Turner, spelling an end to an uneven two-year stint in Milwaukee for Lillard.
Lillard averaged 24.6 points, 7.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds across 131 appearances with the Bucks. His partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo produced plenty of highlights but precious little postseason success. The final image of Lillard’s Milwaukee tenure was a tragic one: the future Hall-of-Famer sitting in silence after rupturing his Achilles during the playoffs.
Lillard has a lengthy recovery ahead of him; he’s expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season. His age and health will be of concern for potential suitors; few players of Lillard’s age have returned to form following an Achilles tear.
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Nevertheless, Lillard’s reputation precedes him. His skillset is a useful one — he’s a gifted ball-handler and shooter who is liable to set off scoring fireworks whenever he’s in the mood.
Lillard’s agent revealed that he’ll take his time before deciding his next step. But just who could attempt to bring him into the fold in the months to come? Here’s a look at four potential sides that could make a move for Lillard.
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Damian Lillard landing spots
Miami Heat
The Heat have been linked with Lillard since his Trail Blazers days. In 2023, Lillard expressed interest in landing in South Beach, citing his relationship with Bam Adebayo as one reason why he’d feel comfortable in Miami colors.
Both parties find themselves in wildly different positions than was the case two years ago. Lillard is on the mend from a potentially career-altering Achilles tear while the Heat are trying to chart a path to success in a post-Jimmy Butler era. The Heat are far from championship contention at present. But a year is a long time. Adebayo, Tyler Herro and Kel’lel Ware represent a solid (and fairly young) core. If that trio — and other youngsters like Kasparas Jakucionis, Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. — show flashes, there’s no reason to believe Miami won’t be in the hunt for reinforcements in 2026-27.
That’s a big if, admittedly. But the Heat aren’t one for major rebuilds. Expect them to tread water at worst in 2025-26. That might be enough to put Lillard in their window down the line.
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Orlando Magic
The Magic have quietly put together an enticing collection of young talents, spearheaded by All-Star-caliber wings Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane. They look well-equipped to push for a top-four place in the Eastern Conference standings in 2025-26 season and beyond.
Given Lillard’s age and lack of postseason success, the prospect of joining a seemingly ready-made contender could prove tantalizing. Yes, he’ll find it hard to reach the heights he once climbed as a member of Portland and Milwaukee. But his handle and shooting would fit well on a roster that ranked 30th in three-point shooting in 2024-25 (31.8%). There’s also the case of intangibles; Lillard is well-liked around league circles and carries gobs of experience. That could be a useful trait for a youthful side still finding its footing like Orlando.
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San Antonio Spurs
With Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper leading the line, the future is bright in the Alamo. It’s only a matter of time before Wembanyama starts contending for MVPs and Defensive Player of the Year titles. That should precipitate a push towards contention for San Antonio, who is also aided by the fact that three of its four horsemen — Wembanyama, Castle and Harper — are on rookie deals.
Simply, the Spurs should have some wiggle room in 2026-27. The pathway towards Western Conference contention doesn’t appear all that far away. That’s likely to appeal to Lillard.
San Antonio put its name forward in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, although it was unwilling to part ways with some of its young core to acquire the former Suns standout. While Lillard is unlikely to replicate Durant’s production post-Achilles tear, he’ll prove far easier to acquire. He also could fill a similar role to that of Chris Paul, who was brought in to aid in Wembanyama and Stephon Castle’s development. Anfernee Simons hailed Lillard for the role he played in Simon’s development in 2024. Perhaps he could repeat that feat for Harper and Castle in San Antonio.
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Houston Rockets
Rounding out the list of potential target destinations for Lillard are the Rockets. Ime Udoka’s side made the splash of the offseason ahead of the NBA Draft, adding Durant into its corps. Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela soon joined him in the first days of free agency, seemingly thrusting Houston into Finals contention.
Houston’s roster is impressive; Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith, Tari Eason and Steven Adams all played vital roles on a 52-win side in 2025. With Durant, the group should flourish.
Lillard appears unlikely to settle for a non-title contender when he does make a decision on his future. The Rockets have the depth and roster flexibility to accommodate for Lillard and any rust he might have as he makes his return. Thompson and Eason are hounds on the defensive side of the floor, while VanVleet is a capable starting option. Reed Sheppard also figures to improve upon an underwhelming rookie season; Lillard could offer some pointers to his fellow three-point marksman.
Lillard might not be able to lead a team as a No. 1 option following his Achilles tear. In Houston, he wouldn’t have to. Instead, the soon-to-be 35-year old could bide his time and pick his spots on one of the league’s best sides.
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