The NBA’s newest free agent is looking to join a contending team as he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon, and Boston is reportedly in the mix.
In a shocking development, the Milwaukee Bucks waived their star point guard, Damian Lillard. Lillard suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, and is expected to be sidelined for most if not all of the 25-26 season.
With the departure of their starting center, Brook Lopez, the Bucks looked to make a splash, and agreed to a 4-year, $107 million deal with Myles Turner, formerly of the Indiana Pacers. In order to create the space to sign Turner, Milwaukee decided to waive Lillard, and stretch the remaining $113 million on his contract over the next five years.
With all of that money guaranteed, Dame was reportedly “elated” with the outcome. Eric Nehm, Sam Amick, and Joe Vardon of The Athletic are reporting that he has already received several calls from contending teams looking to bring him in. One of those teams just so happens to be our Boston Celtics, among other teams like the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. They are all said to be looking to ink a deal with Lillard “sooner rather than later.”
Dame has time to assess his options given that he will be rehabbing his injury for what’s expected to be the full upcoming season. He could choose to join a team now to work through that rehabilitation process with them, or even wait until the following summer when teams would be able to sign him without having to worry about using a roster spot on a player who won’t even see the floor.
In terms of salary, money is no longer a concern, being that he will be receiving the full amount of his previous contract regardless. By signing for anything above the minimum this year or next he does not increase his total salary – the new salary will simply offset how much of the owed amount is paid by Milwaukee.
Keith Smith of Spotrac suggested that Boston could sign Lillard for the minimum this year with a sort of under-the-table promise to him that they’d bring him back the following year using an exception. This would allow Dame and Jayson Tatum the opportunity to work through their rehabilitation process together, and quickly bring the Celtics back into contention when they’re both expected to return in the 26-27 season.
The downside to that is Boston would have two roster spots taken up by players who will not see the floor during the upcoming 25-26 season. It wouldn’t be the worst thing if they truly are looking to effectively tank the season, but it does put extra strain on the active players and coaches.
Damian Lillard’s situation will be one to closely watch over the coming days and weeks. While he may not be the same player on the other side of this injury, a star of his caliber is certainly worth taking a chance on, especially at this discounted opportunity which we rarely see. He’s someone who can immediately elevate any team if he’s anywhere close to his usual self.