Stephen Curry Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have work to do in free agency after losing Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday.
While signing a nine-time All-Star guard wouldn’t help bolster the franchise’s weak frontcourt, it would help them capitalize on the Milwaukee Bucks’ massive blunder.
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“Milwaukee released Lillard on Tuesday morning, which brings up a fascinating question,” The Daily Democrat’s Joseph Dycus wrote. “Should the hometown Warriors seriously pursue the 34-year-old who will likely miss the entire upcoming 2025-26 season with an Achilles injury?”
“Multiple outlets have reported that the Bucks will pay Lillard $22 million per year for the next five seasons after stretching the rest of his two-year, $113 million contract, and that there is interest from around the league.”
“After not making any signings during the first 24 hours of free agency, that would be a way for general manager Mike Dunleavy to make a splash regardless of what happens with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.”
“Lillard could spend next season rehabilitating with the team – or his family – while Milwaukee pays his salary, and then play for Golden State for almost nothing during the 2026-27 season. He would also fit the Warriors’ current timeline, which sees Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green’s contracts all expire during the 2027 offseason.”
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Antetokounmpo’s displeasure with the Bucks’ decision to waive Lillard is telling.
The NBA champion wanted Milwaukee to keep the 34-year-old on the roster after his devastating Achilles injury.
However, the Bucks prioritized making room for former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, which wasn’t a wise move, considering it rubbed Antetokounmpo, their franchise player, the wrong way.
Lillard is an Oakland, California native, which explains why a potential summer signing isn’t far-fetched.
Returning to familiar territory and competing with three future Hall of Famers (Curry, Green, and Butler) whom he’s previously spoken highly of would bring Lillard comfort as he embarks on a new NBA journey.
Lillard could be an undervalued acquisition for the Warriors in the near future.
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