Damian Lillard is days away from requesting a trade, according to NBA Insider Henry Abbott of True Hoop.
So what does that mean for the Celtics?
For weeks, the Celtics have been tangentially linked to Lillard, who started the trade speculation with a cryptic tweet following Portland’s latest playoff exit. On top of that, Lillard has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with Trail Blazers fans for criticizing his previously reported support of Chauncey Billups, whom they recently hired as their new head coach.
Earlier this summer, NBA Insider Chris Mannix told “Tanguay & Hart” he thinks Boston could be in a strong position to land the star point guard.
“If Portland shops him, Boston is going to be in a good position,” he said. “You have to get guys to Portland that are on long term contracts and Jaylen Brown is one of those young guys, 24 years old, that would fit that bill.”
Lillard will also play on Team USA with Jayson Tatum, with whom he was reportedly in touch prior to joining the club. “Lillard was also in communication with Boston Celtics wing Jayson Tatum, who put off his decision on Team USA for some time after the season ended to evaluate his offseason priorities,” writes ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
Lillard is signed through the 2024-25 season, after agreeing two summers ago to a supermax extension with Portland. The deal doesn’t start until this year.
As a result, any team that acquires Lillard will have to take on a lot of salary, in addition to giving up young talent. As Mannix mentioned, Brown would probably be the centerpiece of any Celtics package.
Assuming the Celtics are interested in adding another All-Star player, Lillard could emerge as a top target. One has to figure Boston would likely surrender Brown in any package for Bradley Beal as well.
Given Tatum’s long friendship with Beal, it’s long been suspected the Wizards scorer will be Boston’s top offseason target. But with Beal removed from Team USA, he won’t have that bonding time with Tatum.
One thing is for sure: We’ll be watching Lillard closely over the next couple of weeks.