Lillard, who grew up in Oakland and was a lifelong Warriors fan, now has the freedom to choose his next destination as an unrestricted free agent after the Bucks stretched the $113 million remaining on his contract to make room for Myles Turner.

ESPN’s Marc J. Spears confirmed that the Warriors are one of several teams to contact Lillard, noting the significance of a potential homecoming for the Bay Area native.

“This is a guy that grew up going to games at Oracle Arena, sneaking into the media room getting sodas. Grew up a Warriors fan. That’s interesting,” Spears said, highlighting the buzz such a move would generate locally.

Fit, Timeline, and Financial Considerations

While Lillard is expected to miss most or all of the 2025-26 season as he recovers from a torn Achilles suffered in the playoffs, his availability as a free agent has drawn interest from several contenders, including the Miami Heat and his former team, the Portland Trail Blazers.

For the Warriors, the prospect of adding Lillard to a veteran core featuring Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green aligns with their championship ambitions, even if patience is required for his return to full health.

Financially, Lillard’s situation is unique: having been waived, he is already guaranteed the remainder of his previous contract and could sign for as little as the veteran minimum. However, the Warriors’ luxury tax situation and need for roster flexibility could complicate any pursuit, especially if Lillard is unable to contribute next season.

Lillard’s Perspective and Next Steps

Reports indicate that Lillard is “elated” to be a free agent, as he can now focus on finding a team best positioned to compete for a championship—the one major accolade missing from his résumé.

The Warriors’ interest is notable not only for the potential narrative of a Bay Area homecoming but also for the basketball fit alongside Curry, should Lillard return to form after his recovery.

As Lillard evaluates his options, the Warriors remain one of several high-profile teams in the mix. Whether a deal materializes will depend on his health, Golden State’s financial maneuvering, and mutual interest in making this long-speculated homecoming a reality.