Top 5 Landing Spots for Damian Lillard Following Stunning Milwaukee Bucks Release

5) Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic are a team that seems to be an elite point guard away from becoming true contenders in the East. Lillard wouldn't be able to offer that right away, but if he's able to return to the level he was playing at before he was injured, he'd be the perfect backcourt option. Adding Lillard to the rotation would give the Magic a chance to make a legit run.

1) Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets are a team that not only makes sense to take a swing on Lillard's recovery, but they'd also add a talented player to their championship window with Kevin Durant in the picture. Lillard would get the chance to recover this season and keep the small hope alive for a return late next season. If the Rockets do indeed make a deep playoff run, he'd have the chance to contend for the next few years with a talented roster and a top head coach in Ime Udoka.

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2) Miami Heat

The Miami Heat were Lillard's preferred landing spot when he initially requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers. Whether the guard still has the desire to play in South Beach is unknown, but Pat Riley could finally get the chance to land Lillard at a discount, something he tried to do when the star was playing at an elite level.

3) San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs make sense simply due to the contending team they're slowly assembling. The likelihood that they could be a squad that makes sense for Lillard to sign with now, in hopes of a return next season to help the young roster, seems high.

4) Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are in the midst of a complete roster shakeup as they prepare for life without Jayson Tatum next season, who's recovering from a ruptured Achilles as well. Tatum and Lillard are close friends, and if they were to consider going through the rehab process together and attacking the 2026-27 season with a vengeance, the opportunity is there for the taking. Brad Stevens could score the star guard at an extreme discount.

5) Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic are a team that seems to be an elite point guard away from becoming true contenders in the East. Lillard wouldn't be able to offer that right away, but if he's able to return to the level he was playing at before he was injured, he'd be the perfect backcourt option. Adding Lillard to the rotation would give the Magic a chance to make a legit run.