The NBA landscape was rocked on July 1, 2025, when the Milwaukee Bucks, in a stunning and aggressive cap-clearing maneuver, decided to waive nine-time All-Star guard Damian Lillard. This unprecedented move, which saw the Bucks stretch the remaining ~$113 million on Lillard’s contract over five years to create space for the acquisition of Myles Turner, immediately thrust the 34-year-old into an unexpected free agency. While Lillard is currently recovering from a torn Achilles sustained in the 2025 playoffs, an injury expected to sideline him for most, if not all, of the upcoming 2025-26 season, “combatants” – a multitude of contending teams – wasted no time in contacting the star guard, with the Golden State Warriors emerging as a particularly intriguing suitor.
Milwaukee’s decision to waive Lillard, who spent just two seasons with Giannis Antetokounmpo, was a drastic measure to retool around their superstar. Lillard’s fit with Giannis had been questioned, and his recent Achilles injury made him a financially prohibitive asset for a team desperate to maximize its championship window. The “stretch and release” provision allows the Bucks to spread Lillard’s substantial salary over five years, creating immediate cap flexibility to sign Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal. This move, while bold, has not been without controversy, with reports indicating Giannis Antetokounmpo was “not pleased” with the manner in which Lillard’s departure was handled.
For Damian Lillard himself, however, the news was reportedly met with “elation.” This surprising reaction stems from a unique situation: Lillard will still receive the full $113 million owed to him by the Bucks, but now he has the unprecedented freedom to choose his next destination without a pay cut. He publicly embraced his new free agency, posting on social media, “If they label it a ‘gamble’ at this point… just tell them this is the jackpot. ToBeContinued.” This sentiment suggests a player who, despite a significant injury, feels liberated and in control of his destiny for the first time in a long career. He can now prioritize finding a championship contender, the one major accolade missing from his storied resume, potentially even accepting a veteran minimum contract if it means joining the right situation.
Among the “combatants” who immediately reached out to Lillard, the Golden State Warriors stand out as a captivating possibility. The interest from the Bay Area franchise is particularly poignant given Lillard’s deep roots in Oakland. As ESPN’s Marc J. Spears highlighted, Lillard grew up in Oakland, was a lifelong Warriors fan, and even used to sneak into games at Oracle Arena. The narrative of a Bay Area homecoming for “Dame” is a powerful one, resonating deeply with fans in Northern California.
The Warriors’ interest aligns with their ongoing pursuit of another championship. Despite the aging core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler (reportedly acquired by the Warriors prior to this free agency, per prior prompts), and Draymond Green, the team remains committed to contending. Adding Lillard, even if injured for a season, could be seen as a shrewd long-term play.
While the idea of Lillard in a Warriors uniform is tantalizing, several factors come into play:
- Injury Timeline: Lillard’s torn Achilles means he is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season. For the Warriors, this aligns with a potential “gap year” if Jayson Tatum, also recovering from an Achilles injury (as per prior prompts implying a trade), isn’t fully healthy. It means patience would be required, but it also allows Lillard ample time to fully recover without immediate pressure.
- Financial Considerations: Lillard’s unique financial situation (being paid by the Bucks) means he could sign for as little as the veteran minimum. This is crucial for the Warriors, who consistently face luxury tax implications. While they’d still need to clear a roster spot and manage their tax bill, Lillard’s ability to take a discounted contract makes him an incredibly attractive option for a cap-strapped contender.
- Roster Fit (Long-Term): The prospect of pairing Lillard with Stephen Curry is a fascinating, if complex, one. Both are elite offensive guards known for their shooting and playmaking. While two smaller guards in the backcourt might present defensive challenges, the offensive firepower would be undeniable. Lillard could potentially serve as an elite sixth man or a backcourt mate who alleviates pressure from Curry, especially as Curry ages.
- Lillard’s Past Comments: It’s worth remembering Lillard’s past strong stance against joining the Warriors. In a 2023 interview, he famously stated, “As far as like Golden State, I respect what they’ve been doing… That’s home. But I can’t be a part of that. Like what I look like going to try to do that and say oh I’m joining my home team. Like no I lose every year before I go.” 1While his competitive spirit was admirable then, circumstances have dramatically shifted. At 34, coming off a devastating injury, and with the financial security of his waived contract, Lillard’s priorities might have changed. The pursuit of a championship, which the Warriors offer, could now outweigh his previous reservations about “joining” a rival dynasty.
- Competition from Other Contenders: The Warriors are not alone in their pursuit. Reports indicate several other “contending teams” have reached out, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat. The Celtics, in particular, are facing their own injury concerns with Jayson Tatum and have cleared cap space with the departures of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis (per prior prompts). The Heat were Lillard’s preferred destination in 2023, and their continued search for another star makes them a perennial contender for high-profile free agents.
Lillard is reportedly “in no rush” to make a decision, focusing on his rehabilitation. He is open to signing with a team this offseason but “under the right terms and conditions.” This suggests he’ll be evaluating not just the on-court fit and championship potential, but also the team’s medical staff, the support system, and the overall environment for his recovery and eventual return to form.
The coming months will be critical for Damian Lillard. His unexpected free agency, driven by a strategic, albeit cold, move by the Bucks, has opened up a unique chapter in his illustrious career. For the Golden State Warriors, the chance to bring a Bay Area native and future Hall of Famer home, potentially at a discounted rate, presents a compelling opportunity to extend their championship window. Whether this long-speculated dream pairing finally materializes will be one of the most compelling storylines of the NBA offseason.
