The Boston Celtics reportedly are among a handful of teams interested in signing star guard Damian Lillard after he was surprisingly waived and stretched by the Milwaukee Bucks.
But if the Celtics want to land the nine-time All-Star, they might have to play the waiting game first.
NBA insider Chris Haynes offered new intel Thursday night on Lillard’s unexpected free agency as Haynes believes Lillard will take his time weighing his options.
“Free agent star Damian Lillard is open to signing with a team this offseason under the right terms and conditions as he continues rehabbing,” Haynes posted on X. “He is receiving ample interest, but is in no rush to make a decision.”
Lillard is likely to miss the entire 2025-26 season due to a ruptured Achillies tendon he suffered in late April. But there’s still reportedly plenty of interest in the 34-year-old, with the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors also looking to be in the mix to sign Lillard.
A big reason why teams will be in on Lillard outside of his dynamic offensive ability — he averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds this past season — is his unique financial situation. Lillard will get paid his max contract from the Bucks over the next two seasons, so he will come at a significant discount to whichever team ends up signing him.
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The Celtics could see Lillard as a fit with it looking like they will punt on next season after trading away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. Jayson Tatum also is expected to miss most, if not all, of next season as he recovers from a torn Achilles as well. That would give Lillard time to focus on his rehab and not feel rushed to get back on the floor sooner.
That situation with the Celtics could appeal to Lillard, especially with Tatum being a close friend and the possibility of going through the grueling rehab process from a significant injury with a fellow star by his side.
But the Celtics can only imagine that scenario at the moment as they are on Lillard’s time when it comes to his free agent decision.
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