Damian Lillard is making waves in the basketball world as he heads towards free agency later this week. After the Bucks made the surprising decision to waive and stretch him, Milwaukee cleared some cap space while Lillard recovers from a torn Achilles he sustained back in April. Although he’s expected to miss a considerable chunk, if not all, of the upcoming season, interest from contenders remains strong, and the Boston Celtics are reportedly among those teams keen on adding the former All-Star.
What Can the Celtics Offer Lillard?
When it comes to money, things are a bit tricky for the Celtics. Currently, they’re positioned just above the second apron with their payroll. However, they’re actively exploring potential roster adjustments that could help them reduce that payroll. With Jayson Tatum sidelined, spending big into the tax doesn’t seem practical this year.
As it stands, the Celtics can offer Lillard only the veteran minimum exception. However, if they manage to make some changes and slip under the second apron, they’d open up possibilities for the taxpayer mid-level exception, which is $5.7 million. The real question remains: would they be willing to commit that amount to Lillard, considering the challenge it presents in getting under the luxury tax line this season? With the current roster already $20 million over the tax line, that’s no small task.
The Celtics aren’t alone in the race; the Warriors and Lakers also have access to the taxpayer mid-level exception. They could even offer the full mid-level exception of around $14 million with some strategic moves. While the Celtics might struggle to compete with a full offer, they could potentially give Lillard something appealing should the Lakers and Warriors max out at the taxpayer level.
A significant subplot in this entire scenario is the financial aspect for Lillard himself. He’s already set to receive his full max salary from the Bucks, which means any additional money from his next contract is merely icing on the cake. As he evaluates his future, will Lillard chase the biggest paycheck, or will he pivot towards ensuring he joins a team where he fits well, even if that means accepting less? At 34 years old, the smart money is on the latter.
The duration of any deal is also crucial for Lillard. The Celtics can’t offer more than two years for a veteran minimum or taxpayer mid-level deal. In contrast, teams offering a non-taxpayer mid-level could technically go up to four years; however, it seems unlikely that teams would be willing to commit long-term to a player of Lillard’s age at this point.
The On-Court Fit for Lillard in Boston
Let’s shift gears and focus on why Lillard would make sense on the court for the Celtics. With the departure of key pieces like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis — and with Al Horford’s future uncertain — there’s a real opportunity for Boston to bolster its roster at a bargain rate. The potential fit of Lillard in Boston’s backcourt is not just intriguing but downright tantalizing.
Currently, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard occupy the point guard positions, but depth beyond that is concerning, particularly with Anfernee Simons being linked heavily to trade rumors. Simons might not even dress for the Celtics, and it’s tough to see him being a long-term player for the franchise unless there are radical changes.
This creates a compelling narrative for Lillard: the chance to compete right away without a heavy workload alongside stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. There are still questions about his interest in playing in Boston, especially given that he reportedly had reservations last season. However, if the Celtics make another significant move — perhaps involving Jaylen Brown or Derrick White — it could tilt the scales in Boston’s favor.
Final Thoughts
In light of their financial constraints, exploring the possibility of adding a player like Lillard at a low cost seems like a no-brainer for the Celtics. While he may not be the player he once was, the risk is minimal, making him an enticing option for nearly every contender. Whether Boston can carve out a unique space to stand out among the competition remains to be seen. Nonetheless, they do have the potential to make a compelling case, should Lillard be open to the opportunity on the East Coast.
