Inside The Celtics

Celtics' Jayson Tatum Recruiting All-Star Free Agent Guard to Boston: Report

Nelson Espinal|
Feb 15, 2025; Oakland, CA, USA; Shaq’s OGs forward Jayson Tatum (0) of the Boston Celtics interacts with guard Damian Lillard (0) of the Milwaukee Bucks during the NBA All Star-Practice at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Feb 15, 2025; Oakland, CA, USA; Shaq’s OGs forward Jayson Tatum (0) of the Boston Celtics interacts with guard Damian Lillard (0) of the Milwaukee Bucks during the NBA All Star-Practice at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

In this story:

Boston Celtics

Jayson Tatum is recruiting on behalf of the Boston Celtics so the team secure an All-Star free agent.

Star guard Damian Lillard is a free agent after getting waived by the Milwaukee Bucks. While he is free for any team to sign, he enters the upcoming season on the sidelines, just like Tatum.

Both players featured together on the 2025 NBA All-Star Game and have an established connection.

More news: Celtics Make Last-Minute Addition to Summer League Roster, And It Could Be an Offseason Steal

Back when Lillard requested to leave the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023, Tatum asked the Celtics to try to obtain the All-Star guard.

Now that Lillard is a free agent, Tatum is once again recruiting him, reportedly being "active" in pitching Boston to the guard, according to The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn.

Even if Lillard signs, neither player will step on the court this season for Boston; instead, their debut would be delayed to next season.

Achilles injuries for basketball players can sap athleticism from a player, anywhere from 5-10 percent in the best-case scenarios, making signing Lillard a risk for Boston. As a smaller, older guard, Lillard relies on his burst to create separation, and any loss of explosiveness will hurt his game.

More news: Celtics' Brad Stevens Reveals Motivation Behind Anfernee Simons, Georges Niang Trades

In terms of what a deal for Lillard would look like, it would need to be a minimum contract for this upcoming season, and then both parties negotiate a long-term deal next offseason when he heals.

The Celtics need to shed additional salary to avoid the second apron, requiring additional moves before Lillard gets a big deal.

Boston doesn't need Lillard, but in order to keep Tatum happy, the franchise might show good faith and sign him anyways.

More news: Celtics' Major Free Agent Acquisition Reveals Why He Chose Boston

For more news and notes on the Boston Celtics, visit Boston Celtics on SI.

Published
Nelson Espinal
NELSON ESPINAL

Nelson Espinal lives and breathes sports. Avidly following of everything ranging from motorsports to Mixed Martial Arts to tennis, he is connected with most of the sports world at all times. His dream of writing about sports started at 16 years of age, writing for a Lakers fans blog, and his passions for sports writing has grown since. He has his Bachelor's degree in Political Science, and a minor in writing literature from the University of California, San Diego.

Share on XFollow nelson__espinal
Home/News