Report: Timberwolves 'did check in' with Damian Lillard before Portland reunion

Damian Lillard has agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, just ten days after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania.

While the extent of league-wide interest in the 35-year-old guard recovering from an Achilles tear remains unclear, the Minnesota Timberwolves expressed preliminary interest. The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski confirmed Minnesota "checked in with Lillard to see if there was anything worth exploring," though a return to Portland – his original franchise where he can be near family – emerged as the logical outcome.

Lillard suffered the torn Achilles during Game 5 of Milwaukee's first-round playoff series against Indiana, an injury expected to sideline him for most of the 2025-26 season. This prognosis prompted the Bucks to waive him and absorb the remaining $113 million on his contract.

Minnesota's recent inquiry into Lillard suggests they may still be seeking a veteran point guard to complement Mike Conley, thereby allowing rookie Rob Dillingham more development time rather than immediate bench responsibilities. This potential roster move warrants monitoring throughout the offseason.