Former Bucks superstar Damian Lillard linked to rising Eastern Conference team

The Milwaukee Bucks stunned the NBA this summer by waiving Damian Lillard and stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract over the next five years. Now, he could join another playoff-caliber team in the Eastern Conference. 

Lillard has been linked to several contending teams across the league in free agency, and his next move could provide him the opportunity to win his first NBA championship. 

The Orlando Magic’s window for title contention is wide open, and the team could be a potential landing spot for the nine-time All-Star, according to Jonathan Adams of BetUS. 

“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,” Adams wrote. “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.”

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The Magic have the talent to make a deep playoff run in 2025-26 with their core featuring Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs. Adding a talented veteran could help push the team over the edge in the postseason, as they’re third in odds to win the Eastern Conference at +500. 

Even if Lillard waits until the 2026-27 campaign to return to game action, the Magic have their core four under contract through the 2028-29 season. The team has a real opportunity to contend this upcoming season, though Orlando also has time on its side.

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