Lillard s four potential players are released! The Warriors gather together to win the championship? The Heat and Spurs are also on the list

Damian Lillard became a free agent for the first time in his career. The Bucks cut the experienced star guard, which shocked the basketball world and also meant that he and Antetokounmpo ended their two seasons of cooperation. The Bucks will pay him the remaining $113 million over the next five years. Lillard will also begin to find a new place to stay.

According to the report of famous reporter Mark Spears, a double-digit team has called Lillard. Lillard suffered a serious injury to a torn Achilles tendon in the first round of the playoffs last season. He may miss most, even all, of the 2025-26 season. Any team that signs Lillard this offseason is likely to be looking at the 2026-27 season. The US media Sports Illustrated listed Lillard's potential four next players.

1. Miami Heat

Over the years, the Heat have been working hard to bring in a superstar. Lillard is no longer a world-class scorer, but he was selected to the All-Star last season, averaging 24.9 points per game. Before being traded to the Bucks in October 2023, there were reports that Miami was one of Lillard's preferred destinations. Is this still the case after less than two years? Of course, the Heat are no longer a championship team because of Butler's departure. If Lillard is desperate to compete for the championship, the Heat will be a little less attractive.

2. San Antonio Spurs

Paul became a free agent this summer and the Spurs showed no sign of renewing his contract. Fox's 2025-26 season will usher in the final year of its contract, and the Spurs have not renewed their contract with him in advance. If Lillard is introduced, he will provide some guarantee for the Spurs at point guard position.

In addition, if young players Vinbanyama, Vassel, Castle and Harper play a full season together, the Spurs should improve a lot. Then in the 2026-27 season, Lillard will recover and the Spurs will become much stronger.

3. Golden State Warriors

Lillard is an Oaklander and is deeply loved by Bay Area fans. He was a Warriors fan when he was a child. His return to the field may also be consistent with the Warriors' schedule. The contracts of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler will all last until the 2026-27 season. If Lillard misses most of next season, he can return after a full recovery in 2026-27 to help the Warriors end their dynasty journey with their final championship battle.

4. Why don't the Portland Trail Blazers go home? In an interview with Sports Illustrated Chris Mannicks in February 2024, Lillard admitted that he felt "lonely" in Milwaukee because his family lived in Portland, where he spent 11 seasons from 2012 to 2023. Now, having Lillard return may not make much sense for Portland's roster. But if he can’t win the championship elsewhere, what better way to end his Hall of Fame career than to return to the starting point of his career?

If Lillard returns to the Trail Blazers, then he will become Yang Hansen's "player mentor" in his NBA career.