Former Milwaukee Buck linked to rival Pacers

The Milwaukee Bucks made one of the more stunning moves of the offseason when they decided to waive star point guard Damian Lillard. Now, the nine-time All-Star has been linked to one of the Bucks’ most fierce rivals.

BetUS’s Jonathan Adams has linked Lillard to the Indiana Pacers, who he and the Bucks lost to in the first round of last season’s playoffs. However, Lillard also suffered a torn achilles in the series, putting his status for next season in serious jeopardy, which likely led to the Bucks’ decision to waive him. 

Adams says that the Pacers are a good fit given that their own point guard, Tyrese Haliburton, will also be spending next season out with a torn achilles. With an eye on 2026-27, Adams links Lillard to Indiana.

“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,” Adams wrote. “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.” 

Lillard spent two seasons with the Bucks and averaged 24.6 points and 7.0 assists per game over that span. After two quick playoff exits, the Bucks decided to go a different direction. 

Lillard will likely be 36-years-old when he returns from his achilles injury. It remains to be seen whether he — and Haliburton — will be the same player or not upon return, but a backcourt of Lillard and Haliburton would still become one of the NBA’s best in 2026-27.