Reports were suggesting that the Boston Celtics might be a potential destination for Damian Lillard after he was waived and stretched by the Milwaukee Bucks.
However, according to Brian Robb of MassLive, the player never seriously considered joining any team other than the Portland Trail Blazers.
At a recent introductory press conference in Portland, Lillard expressed his enthusiasm about returning to his former team and revealed a subtle recruiting effort from Jrue Holiday.
“As soon as I was waived and obviously [Jrue] knows that I live here and built my home here and stuff,” he said. “He sent me the eyeball emoji. I kind of knew already like – I already knew where I was pivoting to when he sent it but I didn’t want to say nothing too soon, so here we are.”
Despite Lillard not expected to play this season while he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon, he would have been an intriguing long-term option for the Celtics, especially once Jayson Tatum returns from his own Achilles injury.
Still, as Robb points out, Boston wasn’t realistically able to match the financial terms of Lillard’s deal with Portland, which is a three-year contract worth $42 million.
The Celtics currently only have access to the $5.685 million taxpayer midlevel exception.
Utilizing that exception would have forced them to make additional roster moves to drop below the second salary apron, limiting their ability to pursue a player of Lillard’s caliber.
Celtics Notes: Lillard, Starting Lineup, Davison, Gonzalez https://t.co/hoiTJaN8L4 pic.twitter.com/iCe8yj3znc
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) July 26, 2025
