Jayson Tatum is reportedly making a strong push to bring Damian Lillard to the Boston Celtics as the nine-time All-Star weighs his free agency options following his waiver by the Milwaukee Bucks.
According to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe, Tatum has been “active in recruiting” Lillard to Boston, leveraging their relationship from the 2020 Team USA Olympic team in Tokyo.
Washburn also reported that the Celtics are offering their taxpayer mid-level exception with an eye toward Lillard’s full recovery from his Achilles injury by the 2026–27 season.
The Bucks waived Lillard this week to free up salary space, stretching the $113 million left on his contract over five years. That move allowed Milwaukee to sign Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal after Turner departed Indiana.
Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists over two seasons with Milwaukee before tearing his Achilles during the 2025 playoffs. He is not expected to play significant minutes next season as he rehabs but is being courted by several teams looking beyond the short term.
The Celtics reportedly view Lillard as a long-term investment and an experienced scorer to pair with Tatum once both are fully healthy.
Boston sources believe the team could be in contention for his signature despite competing interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and several others.
While Lillard has historically been lukewarm on Boston — resisting trade talks there while with Portland — his current free agency marks a shift. Washburn noted that Lillard “would consider signing with the Celtics,” though he remains deliberate in weighing his choices.
One challenge could be Lillard’s preference to complete his rehab in Portland to stay close to his family, which may complicate immediate team integration. Nonetheless, league executives at the Las Vegas Summer League told The Boston Globe that Boston “does have a chance” in what’s shaping up to be a competitive market.
