An interesting start to the NBA Playoffs has opened up some interesting possibilities for what could happen once free agency begins in a few months.
Although it’s months away, speculations begin to rise for players and where they could land for the start of next season.
Specifically in the Eastern Conference – the first round in the East hasn’t looked quite as competitive as the West side.
Every matchup in the East has the higher seed with a lead in the the first round.
Updated playoff bracket ahead of tonight’s games 🧐 pic.twitter.com/syMPqycwod
— NBA Fantasy (@NBAFantasy) April 25, 2025
With this being said, some room for some changes within the Eastern Conference could be happening once free agency hits on June 30.
Orlando Magic emerge as favorites to land Damian Lillard
Moves can happen within the NBA for teams that are looking for some improvement in their organizations.
While still hypothetical, Bovada’s sportsbook has released odds on where star point guard Damian Lillard could land if he isn’t with the Milwaukee Bucks next season.
The Orlando Magic are the favorites to land Damian Lillard if he is not with the Milwaukee Bucks next season, per @BovadaOfficial
Orlando Magic +150
Miami Heat +200
Los Angeles Lakers +450
Portland Trailblazers +950
Toronto Raptors +950 pic.twitter.com/fT1aMA9ryA— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 25, 2025
Milwaukee is looking to make a comeback from falling to a 2-0 deficit against the Indiana Pacers in the first round.
There has been a lot of talk in whether Lillard will be staying with the Bucks next season.
Lillard had been sidelined since March 18 with a right calf injury that revealed deep vein thrombosis.
He returned in Game 2 of the first round but struggled, finishing with 14 points, three rebounds and seven assists while shooting just 30% from the field.
The 34-year-old will have to be traded if he moves from the Bucks as he is under a two-year, $112.5 million contract through the 2026-2027 season.
If the Orlando Magic are actually interested in the point guard from Oakland, California, he would be an awesome fit for the struggling Magic.
Orlando will be looking to fight back from going down 2-0 to the defending NBA champion, Boston Celtics.