ESPN Insider Reveals Damian Lillard's Potential Mindset After Major Bucks' Decision

When asked about this rather shocking turn of events, Windhorst claimed that this actually took plenty of pressure off Lillard's shoulders, as he will be under no pressure to rush a comeback, and he can now essentially sign with any team on the veteran minimum because he will still be getting paid by the Bucks:

"He's gonna take as long as he wants to come back and pick his team, and there will be no pressure about money," Windhorst said on ESPN.

More than that, Windhorst claimed that the Bucks would've still considered trading Lillard in the offseason even if he hadn't gotten hurt:

"I don't think he would have minded a change in scenery had he not gotten injured," Windhorst continued. "From what I understand, they approached him yesterday about this, so this was a recent development."

Lillard reportedly wanted to play for the Miami Heat when the Portland Trail Blazers shipped him to Wisconsin, and while the prospect of having him paired with Giannis was promising, they never truly took off as a duo.

He's now looking at a long layoff as he works his way back from an Achilles injury, but he should still draw plenty of interest in free agency.