Damian Lillard reportedly ‘really considered’ signing with Celtics

The Celtics weren’t capable of land Damian Lillard, however it seems that they have been among the many finalists to land him earlier than he in the end determined to comply with a deal to return to the Path Blazers on Thursday.

Boston was one of many groups that Lillard “actually thought of” among the many group of a number of groups that made him a suggestion, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

“Over a dozen groups made minimal and mid-level exception affords to Dame,” Charania stated on ESPN’s “NBA As we speak.” “Two groups particularly, I’m instructed, that Damian Lillard actually thought of: Celtics and the Timberwolves. He held calls with each groups at totally different factors.

“However to be in Portland, again dwelling together with his three younger youngsters, was by far an important consider his return to the Path Blazers.”

Charania didn’t make clear if the Celtics supplied Lillard the veteran’s minimal or the mid-level exception. Nonetheless, as of Saturday, Boston isn’t capable of supply the $5.685 million taxpayer’s mid-level exception as its payroll is correct on the second luxurious tax apron. So, it could’ve wanted to shed extra wage to supply Lillard greater than the $3.634 million veteran’s minimal.

Nonetheless, these affords wouldn’t have crushed what the Path Blazers gave him, no less than from a monetary standpoint. Lillard, who turned 35 on Tuesday, agreed to a three-year, $42 million take care of Portland on Thursday. That deal additionally features a participant possibility for the 2027-28 season and a no-trade clause for Lillard.

Not solely does the Path Blazers’ contract give Lillard some energy, however he’ll additionally make $14 million on an annual foundation, together with within the 2025-26 season as he’s set to overlook a lot of the yr on account of an Achilles tear. In fact, the Celtics are already coping with Jayson Tatum’s Achilles damage. In the event that they have been someway capable of signal Lillard to the deal he acquired from the Path Blazers, Tatum and Lillard would’ve accounted for roughly $68 million in opposition to the cap, a big quantity for 2 gamers who’re more likely to miss the vast majority of the season.

Lillard’s damage didn’t cease the Celtics from making an effort to land him, although. Tatum was also reportedly involved in the team’s pursuit of the nine-time All-Star as some insiders believed Boston was a practical touchdown spot for Lillard.

Whereas Lillard possible wouldn’t have been capable of contribute a lot in 2025-26, he would’ve given the Celtics some future depth they want at guard. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard are their solely two guards beneath contract for the 2026-27 season. Veteran Anfernee Simons, whom the group traded for this offseason, is getting into the final yr of his deal.

If the Celtics are nonetheless wanting so as to add some depth to their backcourt this offseason, there are a handful of notable choices on the open market. Former Celtics and 2022-23 Sixth Man of the 12 months winner Malcolm Brogdon is a free agent. Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul are additionally free brokers, however they’ve largely been linked to West Coast groups.