Former Bucks superstar Damian Lillard linked to rising Eastern Conference team

The Milwaukee Bucks stunned nan NBA this summertime by waiving Damian Lillard and stretching nan remaining $113 cardinal connected his statement complete nan adjacent 5 years. Now, he could subordinate different playoff-caliber squad successful nan Eastern Conference. 

Lillard has been linked to respective contending teams crossed nan convention successful free agency, and his adjacent move could supply him nan opportunity to triumph his first NBA championship. 

The Orlando Magic’s model for title contention is wide open, and nan squad could beryllium a imaginable landing spot for nan nine-time All-Star, according to Jonathan Adams of BetUS. 

“Like Miami, Orlando besides offers nary authorities taxes, and it doesn’t wounded that Lillard tin get patient successful nan sunshine aft spending his NBA profession successful Portland and Milwaukee,” Adams wrote. “Lillard could oculus a imaginable return for nan 2026 NBA playoffs, but nan Magic person legit staying powerfulness moreover if nan prima does not play until nan pursuing season.”

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The Magic person nan talent to make a heavy playoff tally successful 2025-26 pinch their halfway featuring Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs. Adding a talented seasoned could thief push nan squad complete nan separator successful nan postseason, arsenic they’re 3rd successful likelihood to triumph nan Eastern Conference astatine +500. 

Even if Lillard waits until nan 2026-27 run to return to crippled action, nan Magic person their halfway 4 nether statement done nan 2028-29 season. The squad has a existent opportunity to contend this upcoming season, though Orlando besides has clip connected its side.

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