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Insider Hints at Damian Lillard Joining Eastern Conference Team

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Dougherty | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 2:46 AM ET

Damian Lillard is expected to garner significant interest after he was cut loose by the Milwaukee Bucks, with one insider hinting that an Eastern Conference team looking to make a third NBA Finals trip in the last seven seasons could be among those interested.

The Bucks waived Lillard in part to make room for the team to sign former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, giving Lillard the chance to choose his next destination. Even though Lillard is expected to miss the majority of the next season as he rehabs a torn Achilles, there have been several teams named as potential landing spots.

Some fans believe Miami Herald insider Barry Jackson is hinting that the Miami Heat will be one of those teams. Jackson posted -- then deleted -- a message on X that the Heat were pursuing an "interesting" player.

When pressed by a fan, Jackson would not deny that either Lillard or Bradley Beal could be the target.

Jackson had reported on July 1 that the Heat were "expected to pursue" Lillard after pointing out that Lillard had an affinity for South Florida.

"Per source, Lillard will spend some time deciding whether he wants to sign multi-year deal with team and rehab a year or just sit out a year without being on a team," Jackson shared. "Whether Heat would pursue remains to be seen. He has always liked Miami, as you all know, and that hasn't changed, though he will be open to considering everything presented."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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