After Lillard was cut by the Bucks, the next five favorites were released, and the Lakers could sign the opponent with a veteran salary

The Milwaukee Bucks have officially given up Damien Lillard. In order to sign Pacers center Myers Turner and give the opponent a four-year, $100 million contract, they decisively cut Damien Lillard. The team did not choose to negotiate with Damien Lillard or something, but made the choice to slash the opponent.

Many fans and media criticized the Milwaukee Bucks for being favored, but they seemed to have forgotten that the essence of the NBA is the business league, focusing on their own interests. Moreover, laying off Damien Lillard will allow the other party to get the full salary, but it is just an installment. Damien Lillard may lose some of his salary if he negotiates a buyout with Damien Lillard.

Trade Damien Lillard, who has an Achilles tendon injury, and let him hold a $54 million salary on other teams, locking up the salary space of other teams, which seems unrealistic. At present, almost no team is willing to accept players with an annual salary of more than $50 million and suffering from Achilles tendon injuries. So, the Milwaukee Bucks cut Damien Lillard is the best choice.

Although the process is a bit simple and crude and does not respect the other party, the team's later salary is still compensated. Damien Lillard, who was cut, returned to Portland Trail Blazers Training Base where he did some recovery training. However, with his strength, even if he is 34 years old, he does not lack suitors. It depends on whether he is willing to accept a veteran contract next. To do this, let's look at the five most likely popular teams to join after Damien Lillard was cut.

1. After Jason Tatum's Achilles tendon injury, the Boston Celtics also chose the point guard Zhu Holiday, who was both offensive and defensive. In fact, for the Boston Celtics, in terms of strengthening, they would definitely not choose Lillard, so that their lineup has two players troubled by Achilles tendon injuries, which will affect their path forward. Moreover, they didn't even want to stay Anthony Simmons, who had just been exchanged for the Portland Trail Blazers, let alone take down the injured Damien Lillard.

2. The Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets are enjoying a crazy offseason. After winning Kevin Durant, they also won Dorian Finney Smith and others to strengthen the team's competitiveness. In fact, winning Damien Lillard is not very effective. The Rockets already have Van Vleet and Amen Thompson on the back line. The Rockets have multiple ball-holding players. If Lillard joins the team, the ball rights are not enough.

3. The Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers were revealed to have the possibility of winning Damien Lillard. For the Lakers, if they were not awarded a star who was at their peak and had no injuries, or a young and talented player, they would not have much interest in other reinforcement options. Now, even whether the Los Angeles Lakers can keep LeBron James is a question. However, LeBron James may leave the Lakers next season and use veterans to win a veteran like Damien Lillard, so that he can assist Luka Doncic is a good choice.

4. The Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers want James Harden and Leonard to lead the team to rise and win the championship, and the two can work together for two more seasons. The team won Lopez in the offseason in 2025, strengthening the offense and defense of the inside and outside. It may be a bit unfavorable to win Damien Lillard with the veteran's basic salary. Because the Clippers now lack a defender with excellent defense, it is best to have the best defensive lineup level. They need someone to limit top defenders like Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry, Alexander, etc.

5. The Miami Heat have begun their own path to strengthening since the trade sent Jimmy Butler away. They need a spiritual leader to replace Jimmy Butler. Damien Lillard is a good candidate, and his position with Taylor Hero as a point guard does not overlap. In addition, the Heat's overall competitiveness is pretty good, and they have the chance to return to their Jimmy Butler era style.