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Five Teams That Should Sign Damian Lillard
These Five Teams Are Poised to Sign the Star Guard and Become Real Contenders
It’s Dame Time
Damian Lillard’s injury could sideline the All-Star for all of the next NBA season. ESPN reported that Lillard may wait until next offseason to sign with a new team.
As Lillard’s new shoes drop, fans may have to wait until 2026 for it to once again be “Dame Time.” That’s not stopping us from brainstorming about the five best landing spots for Lillard following his release by the Bucks.
No. 5 Indiana Pacers- Dame Teams Up With Frenemy Hali
If Lillard truly is not going to play next season, the Pacers may be Lillard’s best landing spot with an eye on 2026-27. Tyrese Haliburton is in danger of missing next season.
Damian Lillard letting Tyrese Haliburton know… pic.twitter.com/HtkNo5Ww5V
— Follow HeavenlyBuckets (@Heavenlybuckets) April 19, 2025
The Pacers were one game away from winning an NBA title. Lillard’s rivalry with Haliburton is real, but joining forces would put Indy back in title contention for 2027.
No. 4 Portland Trail Blazers: Reunited and It Feels So Good
If Lillard’s top priority is happiness and not simply winning his first NBA title, a return to the Pacific Northwest could be in order. The breakup did not work out well for either Lillard or the Blazers. Lillard could return to Portland and retire as a member of the Trail Blazers.
Where should Damian Lillard play next? 👀@VinceGoodwill and @DarthAmin discuss why a reunion with the Blazers could be the best thing for Dame and Portland.
(via Good Word with Goodwill) pic.twitter.com/ufDYWEkBMw
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 3, 2025
No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers: Dame Helps Ease LeBron’s Restlessness
With LeBron James seemingly trying to get out of his marriage with the Lakers, the addition of Lillard could help King James renew his Hollywood vows. James attempted to recruit Lillard to leave Portland in 2021. Lillard, James, and Luka Doncic on one team is sure to make NBA news.
The Lakers have interest in signing Damian Lillard, via @TheAthletic
WOW. pic.twitter.com/ztVec4GXBY
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) July 2, 2025
No. 2 Houston Rockets: Lillard Joins KD in Texas
If Lillard wanted to return to the Western Conference, the Rockets could be an intriguing landing spot. Lillard could split time in the backcourt with Fred VanVleet.
⌚️ @Dame_Lillard goes for 28 PTS, 9 AST, 6 REB and comes up big down the stretch as the @trailblazers top DET! #RipCity pic.twitter.com/h0h9HQuv1w
— NBA (@NBA) March 24, 2019
This may mean Lillard’s stats would take a hit, but so would his chances to win a title alongside Kevin Durant. The Rockets are tied for second at +500 to win the Western Conference behind the defending champions in OKC. Houston is fourth in the NBA championship odds at +850.
No. 1 Orlando Magic: Dame Eyes Superteam
Lillard continues to be linked to another Florida franchise in ongoing NBA rumors, but the Magic appear to be much closer to a championship than the Heat. The latest BetUS NBA odds for a title have the Magic at +1400. Orlando is third in the Eastern Conference odds at +500, just behind the Knicks and Cavaliers.
😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫 @WeltGawd pic.twitter.com/3SBM7d4oFS
— Stephen DeAugustino (@DeAugieDogie) July 2, 2025
Like Miami, Orlando also offers no state taxes, and it doesn’t hurt that Lillard can get healthy in the sunshine after spending his NBA career in Portland and Milwaukee. Lillard could eye a potential return for the 2026 NBA playoffs, but the Magic have legit staying power even if the star does not play until the following season.
