While the Boston Celtics look to stay below the second apron and use this offseason as a way to do that, they will be looking a lot different for the start of next season.
While superstar Jayson Tatum rehabs his ruptured Achilles tendon and is expected to miss a large chunk of the 2025-26 season, the Celtics, with new ownership, will look towards brighter days.
Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks
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But this won't stop them from making potential splash moves this summer, and after the Milwaukee Bucks waived point guard Damian Lillard on Monday, Boston has shown interest in bringing in the injured superstar.
According to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, "the Celtics are among a group of teams that has shown early interest in signing the nine-time All-Star. A league source also made it clear that Lillard could have interest in Boston, too, citing his respect for the organization and his long friendship with Tatum."
Former Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0).
Former Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0).
Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Damian Lillard is another player who will join a lengthy list of injured stars in the NBA that will begin the 2025-26 season on the bench while recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
His return timetable is unclear, but the nine-time All-Star could be a potential fit for the Celtics as they look to regroup and reset next season.
Apr 29, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks with guard Jaylen Brown (7) from the sideline as they take on the Orlando Magic during game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks with guard Jaylen Brown (7) from the sideline as they take on the Orlando Magic during game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
After trading away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis – two key pieces from their 2024 championship team – the Celtics look to make long-term roster moves aimed at sustaining their championship contention beyond next season.
At 34 years old, Lillard would be joining a Celtics team while on the older side of his career, but before getting injured in the 2025 playoffs, Lillard still averaged 24.9 PTS< 4.7 REB, and 7.1 AST for the Milwaukee Bucks last season.