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There's 1 Overwhelming Favorite To Sign NBA Star Damian Lillard

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 1:35 PM ET

Damian Lillard is the latest player on the move in what's been a wild morning in the National Basketball Association.

After signing Pacers big man Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million free agent deal on Tuesday, the Milwaukee Bucks reportedly waived the nine-time All-Star guard to make room for the massive new contract.

Lillard spent the last two seasons in Milwaukee after playing the majority of his All-NBA career with the Portland Trail Blazers. He also suffered an unfortunate Achilles tear in Game 4 of the Bucks' first-round series vs. Indiana.

Now that Dame's on the open market though fans are already speculating as to where he could land next. And ironically it's the team he was linked to before signing to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo:

Just in: The Milwaukee Bucks are waiving Damian Lillard and stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract in order to acquire Myles Turner, sources tell ESPN. Lillard's two seasons in Milwaukee come to an end as he rehabilitates a torn Achilles tendon. pic.twitter.com/eg1D1TMFM6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025

"The Dame Time to Miami agenda is officially back…" a user said.

"Time to learn Heat Culture @Dame_Lillard," another replied.

"Bucks reinforce team to keep Giannis happy. And Lillard becomes 2026-27 option for Heat should both parties choose that option," Barry Jackson reported.

"I just want a Miami Heat Damian Lillard jersey," a fan admitted. "F*ck everything else tbh "

"Bucks RUINED Damian Lillard's career. The Miami Heat can save him like we did with Jimmy," another person proclaimed.

"Damian Lillard is going to get his $112.5M contract spread out over 5 years. He is a player I'd love the Heat to take a chance on," another user commented. "He'll miss a year due to Achilles and can be had for cheap. If the Heat get a Top 10 pick next year and the addition of Dame then there is hope."

"Can't wait for Heat fans to get geeked over finally getting Damian Lillard and ignore the fact that he's 35 and coming off a torn Achilles."

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 12: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 and Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks talk during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 12, 2024 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)Rocky Widner/Getty Images

Lillard was seemingly a perfect fit for Miami before the injury but felt Milwaukee gave him a better chance to win.

Unfortunately that didn't happen. Although there's still hope that he can be a key piece to a contending team after he recovers.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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