The Phoenix Suns could sign Damian Lillard after the Bucks stunningly waived and stretched his contract to sign Myles Turner in free agency. Milwaukee is paying the future Hall of Famer, so this is a chance for him to join a contender on a bargain contract. The Suns desperately need a point guard and landing a star without paying the price could be their path out of their current nightmare cap situation.
Lillard tore his Achilles and is likely to miss the entire 2025-26 season. Whatever team signs him would be doing so for the 2026-27 campaign. It would give the nine-time All-Star a chance to rehab with his next team. There are serious questions about how the 34-year-old will bounce back, but the Suns need a miracle to get back into contention. This could be that move.
Lillard put up superstar numbers last season before his injury. He is one of the best to ever do it, and Suns owner Mat Ishbia is never afraid to be bold. This is their shot to land a massive point guard upgrade at a minimal price.
Suns should target Damian Lillard after he was let go by the Bucks
Phoenix is loaded with wings and big men. They traded for Mark Williams and drafted Khaman Maluach to be their center duo. The Suns dealt Kevin Durant to the Rockets for Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, who join a crowded wing room featuring Booker, Royce O’Neale, Grayson Allen, Bradley Beal, and Ryan Dunn. Phoenix needs someone to run their offense and get everyone easier looks.
Lillard is an elite shooter and creator. The Suns may be able to sign him on a minimum contract and get star production. It would make up for Beal being paid the max and producing like a role player.
This is the type of move Mat Isbhia can’t pass up. The Suns missed the playoffs in 2025 and got worse in the Kevin Durant trade. If they want to remain competitive, Phoenix must be bold and try to add pieces. Their assets are limited, which should further push them to target Dame at a discount.
The Phoenix Suns must get Bradley Beal’s contract off their books and remake their roster around Devin Booker. Getting him a co-star in Damian Lillard on a bargain contract would do wonders for the franchise. It may be their only hope of competing in the crowded Western Conference in 2027. The Suns should do everything possible to win the bidding war for the future Hall of Famer after he clears waivers. This is their shot to undo years of mismanagement by Ishbia.