Hold onto your Warriors jerseys, Bay Area basketball fans, because the NBA rumor mill is spinning faster than Steph Curry’s warm-up shots.

Damian Lillard, the nine-time NBA All-Star and Oakland native, might be making a hometown comeback – but with a massive catch. After being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks in a financial chess move, Lillard is nursing a torn left Achilles that could sideline him for most of the 2025-26 season.

A Hometown Hero’s Potential Return

Let’s break down this wild scenario: Lillard, who averaged 24.9 points per game last season, is receiving interest from multiple teams, including his hometown Golden State Warriors. The twist? He can only sign a minimum-salary contract of $3.6 million while rehabbing his injury.

The Financial Gymnastics

The Bucks are playing some serious salary cap Jenga by stretching Lillard’s remaining $113 million contract over five years, essentially paying him $22.5 million annually while he’s potentially not even playing. This move gives Lillard the flexibility to potentially sign with a new team at a dramatically reduced rate.

Warriors’ Potential Gamble

For the Warriors, signing Lillard would be a high-risk, potentially high-reward strategy. A Bay Area kid returning home to potentially resurrect his career? It’s the kind of narrative that makes sports documentaries shine. But with a major injury looming, this isn’t just another free agency story – it’s a medical and financial tightrope walk.

Stay tuned, basketball fans – this saga is just getting started.