• Damian Lillard’s unexpected waiver by the Milwaukee Bucks has rocked the NBA world. Now, potential suitors, including the Golden State Warriors, are lining up to sign the 9x All-Star—despite his injury. With his future wide open, Lillard is reportedly ecstatic about the opportunity to choose his next destination while securing a long-term paycheck.

MILWAUKEE, WI, TDR — Damian Lillard’s NBA journey has taken a shocking turn. Just months after being sidelined by a season-ending Achilles injury in the playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks decided to waive the 9x All-Star, stretching his remaining $112.6 million salary over the next five years. The news sent shockwaves through the league, sparking a frenzy of speculation about his next move. But if you think Lillard is down and out, think again—he’s reportedly embracing this twist as a chance to write the next chapter of his illustrious career.

Damian Lillard “Ecstatic” After Bucks Waiver

Despite the heartbreak of an Achilles injury, veteran NBA insider Marc J. Spears says Lillard is in high spirits. “Dame’s doing the Brookfield dance. He’s ecstatic,” Spears shared in a recent interview. And why wouldn’t he be? The move grants Lillard the rare opportunity to hit free agency two years early while still receiving his full salary from the Bucks.

“His agent told me this is an incredible opportunity for him. He gets to choose where he wants to go without worrying about money,” Spears added. For a player who’s spent over a decade in Portland before briefly joining Milwaukee, this newfound freedom is a game-changer.

Teams Lining Up Despite Injury Woes

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Even with Lillard sidelined until at least the All-Star break, teams aren’t hesitating to make their interest known. According to reports, no fewer than ten franchises have reached out about his availability. Among them? The Golden State Warriors, a team that would allow Lillard to return to his roots in the Bay Area, where he grew up in Oakland.

The Warriors are reportedly exploring options to pair Lillard with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, creating a potentially unstoppable lineup. With Lillard’s scoring ability (24.9 PPG this season) and Curry’s sharpshooting, fans are already dreaming of a new “Splash Brothers” duo.

On X (formerly Twitter), fans exploded with excitement at the possibility. One user wrote, “Dame + Steph in the Bay? That’s the cheat code we’ve been waiting for!” Others voiced opinions about how Lillard’s presence could cement the Warriors as title contenders.

A Homecoming with a Purpose

While rumors swirl about his next team, Lillard has made one thing clear—he’ll be spending his recovery in Portland. Spears revealed, “He’s gonna be in Portland to rehab and be close to his kids. Any team that signs him needs to understand that family comes first for him.”

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This decision highlights Lillard’s dedication to balancing his professional aspirations with his personal life. For a player who spent 11 seasons in Portland, the city remains a central part of his story. Fans in Portland showed their love for Lillard on Instagram, with comments like, “Once a Blazer, always a Blazer” and “Take all the time you need, Dame. Portland’s got your back.”

Pressure on the Warriors to Act Quickly

For the Warriors, the prospect of signing Lillard comes with urgency. General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has been vocal about finding another star to pair with Curry and Butler. While rumors of pursuing Kevin Durant have faded, Lillard’s availability could be the solution the team needs.

Spears believes Lillard’s next contract will likely be a two-year deal, giving him and his new team flexibility. “It’s a chance for him to test the waters, see if he fits long-term, and for the team to get an elite player at a reasonable price,” Spears explained.

What’s Next for Damian Lillard?

As the league watches, Damian Lillard’s next move remains one of the biggest questions of the offseason. Will he join the Warriors for a homecoming in Oakland? Or will another contender sweep him off his feet? Either way, one thing is certain—the NBA isn’t done seeing Dame Time yet.

What do you think about Lillard’s potential move to Golden State? Could he be the missing piece in their championship puzzle? Let us know in the comments below!

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