“Boston, Minnesota — dozens of other teams — had minimum and mid-level exception offers out to Damian Lillard in the last several weeks,” Charania said. “Next year, Damian Lillard will make $70 million between his Bucks and Blazers salaries. In the next two years, he’ll be at $140 million combined in salaries.”

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is recruiting Damian Lillard to join the franchise as an unrestricted free agent, according to The Boston Globe. Released earlier this summer by the Milwaukee Bucks, Lillard is reportedly open to signing this summer and the Celtics are one of three teams at the top of his potential list of suitors.

Some sections of Boston's fan base may view this as a missed opportunity. Yet, it's vital to put things into perspective.

Jayson Tatum might not take the court for the Celtics in the 2025-26 season, but he could help them land Damian Lillard.

Damian Lillard is returning to his former home after becoming an unexpected free agent last week. The point guard has agreed to a three-year deal with the Portland Trail Blazers worth $42 million according to Shams Charania of ESPN.com.

Tatum is looking to convince Damian Lillard to join the Celtics after he was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, according to the Boston Globe. Both players tore their Achilles during the NBA playoffs and will miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season.

I just was told that they're communicating and Tatum is recruiting. I mean, Tatum is the face of the franchise. So, yeah, you're told he's recruiting. I don't know if they're like FaceTiming every day or they're on Snapchat and sharing videos and you know,