Apr 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) during game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Report: Timberwolves 'did check in' with Damian Lillard before Portland reunion

Originally posted on Minnesota Timberwolves on SI
By Joe Nelson | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 6:16 PM ET

Damian Lillard, just ten days after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, is returning to the Portland Trail Blazers on a three-year, $42 million contract, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

It's unclear how many teams were interested in signing a 35-year-old coming off a torn Achilles, but the Minnesota Timberwolves were at least intrigued enough that they expressed interest. Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reports that Minnesota "did check in with Lillard to see if there was anything worth exploring."

Wolves did check in with Lillard to see if there was anything worth exploring. But it’s easy to see why a reunion with Portland makes so much sense. Back with his original franchise, back around his family. Very cool outcome
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) July 17, 2025

Lillard suffered a torn Achilles in Game 5 of Milwaukee's first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. He's expected to miss the majority of the 2025-26 season, which prompted the Bucks to cut him and eat the remaining $113 million on his contract over the next five seasons.

One can't help but wonder if the Timberwolves are still in the market for a veteran point guard to join Mike Conley in the backcourt, thus giving 19-year-old Rob Dillingham more time to marinate instead of being forced into a regular role off the bench next season. The fact that Minnesota likely checked in with Lillard within the past 10 days could indicate that they are in fact still in the market for a guard. It's certainly something worth monitoring the rest of the summer.