Why Damian Lillard shouldn't rush free-agency decision

If Lillard plays his cards right, he might tip the scales in the playoff race. However, there's no way of knowing which fringe playoff teams, which one could argue the Celtics, Lakers and Warriors are, could morph into legitimate contenders in 2025-26.

Since winning the 2022 NBA championship, Golden State has failed to advance past the West semis in the past three seasons, including missing the 2024 playoffs after finishing 10th in the conference.

Los Angeles doesn't have a center and is prioritizing cap space, while Boston will likely be without four-time first-team All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum (Achilles) for the entire season and parted with guard Jrue Holiday and center Kristaps Porzingis in June.

It would make more sense for Lillard to hold off on signing until he sees where he could be of the most use.

The 13-year veteran started 58 games last season, averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 44.8 percent, including 37.6 percent from beyond the arc.

In his two most recent playoff appearances prior to 2025, Lillard averaged 33.1 points and 8.1 assists, making 5.5 threes on 12.6 attempts per game (43.7 percent).

No one who signs Lillard should expect that production during the 2026 playoffs, but as one of the league's most gifted scorers, he could still provide valuable minutes, plus take on a larger role in 2026-27.

The big question is whether the Celtics, Lakers, Warriors, or any team attempting to rush a Lillard signing would give him the best opportunity. And this early in the offseason, it's impossible to say.