LAS VEGAS — Damian Lillard is officially a free agent after clearing waivers last week following his surprising release from the Bucks. The Celtics are one of several teams that have showed interest in signing the veteran point guard and one key name is reportedly taking part in trying to get Lillard to join Boston.
Celtics star Jayson Tatum is taking part in recruiting efforts with Lillard according to report from Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. Like Lillard, Tatum is expected to miss most or all of next season recovering from a torn Achilles injury. Tatum and Lillard have a relationship after playing on Team USA Basketball together this decade.
The Warriors and Lakers are among several contenders that have shown interest in Lillard beyond Boston, per reports but the point guard is facing a unique situation as he begins a season-long rehab process. There is no rush for the former Bucks star to sign anywhere as he weighs his options after Milwaukee stretched the remaining $112.6 million owed to him over the next two seasons with his surprise release to clear cap room.
The Celtics are in the midst of a retooling season due to Tatum’s injury and the loss of four other rotation players via trade or free agency.
Boston currently has a full roster with 15 players but two of those players are on non-guaranteed or partially guaranteed deals (Jordan Walsh, JD Davison). The Celtics can offer the veteran’s minimum to Lillard at any point or could technically offer the taxpayer mid-level exception ($5.7 million) if they do further cost cutting via trades and stay below the second apron. It’s unexpected for Boston to use that MLE this season with Tatum’s injury and the team facing stiff repeater tax penalties but bringing aboard a player like Lillard on a discount could change things on that front. It’s possible that Lillard could opt to wait to sign with a team until closer to next season as well since he will be getting all of his guaranteed money from the Bucks regardless.
Lillard, 34, averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists in 58 games for the Bucks last season. He also missed time in March and April after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his calf but was cleared to return for the playoffs, returning for just three games before he tore his Achilles in a first round series against the Pacers.
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