Celtics reportedly ‘have interest’ in Damian Lillard

While the Celtics‘ offseason has so far been marked by departures, a recent report has added the tantalizing possibility of a notable addition.

Nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard, who was reportedly waived by the Bucks on Tuesday, could be a Boston free agent target. According to an expansive Athletic article from Eric Nehm, Sam Amick, and Joe Vardon on the Bucks’ future, the Celtics are “interested” in the 34-year-old guard.

“League sources say the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are known to be among the many teams that would have interest in doing a deal sooner rather than later,” noted The Athletic.

Of course, there are important caveats in the potential plans for both the Celtics and Lillard. From the player’s perspective, Lillard is — like Celtics star Jayson Tatum — currently rehabbing a ruptured Achilles tendon (sustained during a first-round playoff series in April).

From Boston’s side, the Celtics are planning for a possible “gap year” without Tatum (who does not yet have a return timeline), and may already have more of an eye on the following season. Yet the fact that Lillard’s own return timeline remains unclear could be an asset for the Celtics, as there would be no rush on his return in the 2025-26 season.

Given that the Celtics only just escaped a massive luxury tax bill due to the trading of starters Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, it’s unclear exactly what the team’s terms to Lillard could even look like.

Yet the prospect of putting Lillard into Boston’s lineup (one that eventually includes Tatum again) would be exciting for fans. If the former All-NBA First Teamer could return to even a fragment of his previous level, it would help Boston offset the loss of Holiday and Porzingis.