Damian Lillard's recent release by the Milwaukee Bucks has shaken the NBA landscape. The franchise chose to waive him, stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract to create space for Myles Turner. This decision comes in light of Lillard's recovery from a torn Achilles, with hopes that he could return by February 2026, significantly earlier than expected, altering his value on the free-agent market.

Teams like the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs are now eyeing Lillard as a potential mid-season addition. The Heat, in particular, are seen as a strong candidate due to their culture and need for a scoring leader. Lillard's possible return before playoffs could make him a sought-after asset for contending teams looking for a boost.