progresifjaya.id, JAKARTA – The release of Damian Lillard by the Milwaukee Bucks has made this point guard like a hot ball that continues to roll looking for a container. Previously, the Golden State Warriors had expressed their interest in this 34-year-old player. Now hot news has emerged that Lillard is also being targeted by two of the most successful big teams in the NBA, namely the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics.
Lillard’s departure from the Bucks has also inevitably become a serious concern for several top teams in the free-agent player market.
Marc J. Spears from ESPN said, on Tuesday, (1/7) United States time, the Warriors had contacted Lillard after being released by the Bucks. Meanwhile, Eric Nehm, Sam Amick and Joe Vardon from The Athletic, reported that the LA Lakers and Boston Celtics were also serious enthusiasts of Lillard.
As is known, one of the hottest topics in the NBA is the Bucks’ attitude of ignoring and extending his contract to create salary cap space and acquiring Myles Turner, for the next Dome destination.
The Bucks themselves only have little room to improve their roster when the free-agent market begins. Therefore, they decided to take the most dramatic step possible. The hope is that Giannis Antetokounmpo is happy.
Point guard Lillard was released using the contract extension provisions with 113 million USD remaining on his contract. However, the Bucks will only pay him 22.5 million USD for the next five years. Also counted in their salary cap so as not to play for them. The Milwaukee Bucks finally moved to give Myles Turner a four-year contract worth 107 million USD as a free-agent player.
All of these scenarios also make Lillard a free-agent player for the first time in his brilliant career. Even so, it is unclear whether he will sign a contract with any club this season.
The interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors isn’t exactly surprising. All three teams are looking to improve their roster. But they don’t have a lot of wiggle room due to tax or apron rules.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Boston Celtics started their free agency at 7.4 million USD during the first apron. The Lakers had 4 million USD under the first apron. The Warriors also had 17 million USD under the tax, but they’re also waiting to finalize Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency.
The Golden State Warriors stand out because they’re close to Lillard’s hometown of Oakland. The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics aren’t considered the major contenders they once were.
Simply put, Lillard now has the freedom to join a contender of his choice as a free agent, either in the near future or next offseason, without any financial burdens determining where he ends up. Any team that signs him during the two-year window would benefit from salary relief, as Lillard could sign a minimum-salary deal and still receive his full due.
Meanwhile, there have been conflicting reports about his status for the 2025-26 season as he continues to rehab from an Achilles injury.
Marc J. Spearsada said on an episode of NBA Today that there was speculation Lillard could return around the All-Star break. However, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Jamal Collier report that historical expectations around the NBA are that Lillard will sign with a team for the upcoming season. (Bembo)