Marc Spears of ESPN and Andscape revealed on NBA Today that he has heard Jayson Tatum is courting Damian Lillard to join the Celtics. Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes reported less than a month ago that it’s “pretty safe to say” the seven-time All-NBA guard isn’t interested in moving to Boston. However, Tatum’s sales pitch may be effective. Following Lillard’s trade request, Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin stated on Saturday, “We have been clear that we want Dame here, but he notified us today he wants out and he’d prefer to play somewhere else.” What hasn’t changed is our commitment to winning, and we will do whatever is necessary for the team in order to achieve that goal.”
The seven-time All-Star is signed for $45.6 million this season, $48.8 million in 2024-25, an anticipated $58.5 million in 2025-26, and a $63.2 million player option for 2026-27. While NBA stars frequently wind up where they want, which in this case is Miami, Portland would be crazy to deal him for a return it feels inadequate. To make the math work in a deal for Lillard, Boston “only” needs a little more than $41 million in outbound salary. That implies the Celtics could sign him without having to give up Jaylen Brown.
A package containing Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams, Payton Pritchard, Justin Champagnie, three first-round picks, and pick swaps may outperform a Heat offer centered on Tyler Herro joining the Trail Blazers or heading somewhere in a three-team deal. That is unlikely to be the best proposal Portland receives. However, Boston might strengthen it by adding Derrick White. That begs the question of whether Lillard, Brown, Tatum, and Kristaps Porzingis can coexist at the championship level.
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