Lillard (signs with Blazers 7/17/25)

[GoCeltics123]

I'm all in on Dame. I’d slow-roll Brown and White’s minutes during the regular season. Then, in the last month or so, bring back Dame and Tatum, get the group back up to speed, and steamroll whoever ends up as the top seed—hopefully, that’s the Knicks in the first round.

I wouldn't bring him back next year, no chance. Tank city.

But signing him is a good idea, if we can. It gives you a good reason to keep White/JB and he'll have revenge on his mind vs Milwaukee, just like Jrue did.

Problem is two years ago, he wasn't interested, so idk why he would be now

The Celtics are not tanking this year, as much as the tank brigadiers would love it and have been waiting years to talk all season only about the upcoming draft players. It's just not happening.

We signed Luka **** Garza dude. We may not be all-out tanking, but we are definitely soft tanking

[Green89]

I wouldn't bring him back next year, no chance. Tank city.

But signing him is a good idea, if we can. It gives you a good reason to keep White/JB and he'll have revenge on his mind vs Milwaukee, just like Jrue did.

Problem is two years ago, he wasn't interested, so idk why he would be now

The Celtics are not tanking this year, as much as the tank brigadiers would love it and have been waiting years to talk all season only about the upcoming draft players. It's just not happening.

We signed Luka **** Garza dude. We may not be all-out tanking, but we are definitely soft tanking

No, it's called using what little cash you have to fill out the roster. New ownership isn't going to tank in their first full year of ownership. They'll expect playoff basketball.

But hey, tanking is a lot of people's wet dream on here. So they can keep dreaming if they choose to.

[Gant]

Himmelsbach:

...league sources said that the Celtics are among a group of teams that has shown early interest in signing the nine-time All-Star. A league source also made it clear that Lillard could have interest in Boston, too, citing his respect for the organization and his long friendship with Tatum.

Still, there would be plenty to sort out before this pursuit begins. Most importantly, Lillard is injured and might miss all next season. He could simply choose to spend this year rehabilitating his injury on his own and reassess his options next summer while having a clearer view of the title hopes of the team he will be joining.

This path would also keep him from being empty space on a roster this year. With Tatum already out, for example, the Celtics would essentially be operating with 13 players, although their three two-way contract players could easily bridge the gap for a team not expected to be a title contender anyway.

Lillard could also choose to sign with a team soon after he clears waivers, giving him access to a franchise’s medical staff and facilities. In Boston’s case, he could even spend his months working alongside Tatum as they plot their big comebacks together.

[playa-hater]

Didn't see a Dame thread, so I will double post this here.

I was a definite no on Dame. But didn't realize all that is required is a Minimum contract. Now I have upgraded to a Probably not.

[meatball sub]

lillard and tatum rehabbing together and then making a 2 year run with JB, White, PP would actually be pretty sick if we get some of our developmental guys to actually turn the corner and become real time contributors this season.

[Green89]

Spears' top landing spots for Dame. He clears waivers tomorrow.

Read on Twitter

[ParticleMan]

we should 100% try to sign him for a modest 2-yr deal.

lame dame spends the first year rehabbing. fine, no point having him anyways we have simons.
the second year simons is gone, and dame steps into that role for way less money. if we can get one good year out of him that's a huge win. he was pretty damn good when healthy last year. worth a gamble that he will come back strong.

as for not wanting to play here... whatevs. players change their mind on a dime. he has a chance to drop in to a contending team and ring-chase with the Jays. i don't see why he wouldn't at least be curious.

[La Flame]

Tank? Lol what are you guys on about. White/JB/Anferno/Pritch/Hauser are all ballers. Look out for a Jordan Walsh breakout year. Calling it now.

As for Dame, that was my favorite player for a looong time, modeled my game after him a lot, I would be ecstatic to have him. However his achilles will be, he can still spot up and nail 3 pointers after rehabbing. For a minimum, why not?

[165bows]

we should 100% try to sign him for a modest 2-yr deal.

lame dame spends the first year rehabbing. fine, no point having him anyways we have simons.
the second year simons is gone, and dame steps into that role for way less money. if we can get one good year out of him that's a huge win. he was pretty damn good when healthy last year. worth a gamble that he will come back strong.

as for not wanting to play here... whatevs. players change their mind on a dime. he has a chance to drop in to a contending team and ring-chase with the Jays. i don't see why he wouldn't at least be curious.

It’s worth noting in that light that the Heat weren’t far off a Finals appearance at the point he was traded. Heat are a perennial play in team now and he knows he’s only got a couple of years on court left.

I’d imagine guys would want those in the limelight - how much more endorsement money could he make winning a title in two years as opposed to fading off into obscurity for an example of what you are saying.

[chrisab123]

we should 100% try to sign him for a modest 2-yr deal.

lame dame spends the first year rehabbing. fine, no point having him anyways we have simons.
the second year simons is gone, and dame steps into that role for way less money. if we can get one good year out of him that's a huge win. he was pretty damn good when healthy last year. worth a gamble that he will come back strong.

as for not wanting to play here... whatevs. players change their mind on a dime. he has a chance to drop in to a contending team and ring-chase with the Jays. i don't see why he wouldn't at least be curious.

It’s worth noting in that light that the Heat weren’t far off a Finals appearance at the point he was traded. Heat are a perennial play in team now and he knows he’s only got a couple of years on court left.

I’d imagine guys would want those in the limelight - how much more endorsement money could he make winning a title in two years as opposed to fading off into obscurity for an example of what you are saying.

The Heat still has things he values. Weather, Top Instagram Models, Pool Parties, Nightlife, No State Taxes, I’m guessing endorsements down in Miami but as someone who used to live down there for years, there isn’t a ton for that unless you’re a cross over celebrity and attract a Latin American audience. Regardless it’s more than Boston can offer. Even when Boston was on paper a much better team he wanted Miami for non basketball reasons.

That’s the reason why this 1000% will not happen. You legitimately have a better chance of getting the Warriors to S&T Kuminga to Boston for Horford and then salary dump Simons than Dame signing here, unless you move the franchise to a warm climate.

[165bows]

we should 100% try to sign him for a modest 2-yr deal.

lame dame spends the first year rehabbing. fine, no point having him anyways we have simons.
the second year simons is gone, and dame steps into that role for way less money. if we can get one good year out of him that's a huge win. he was pretty damn good when healthy last year. worth a gamble that he will come back strong.

as for not wanting to play here... whatevs. players change their mind on a dime. he has a chance to drop in to a contending team and ring-chase with the Jays. i don't see why he wouldn't at least be curious.

It’s worth noting in that light that the Heat weren’t far off a Finals appearance at the point he was traded. Heat are a perennial play in team now and he knows he’s only got a couple of years on court left.

I’d imagine guys would want those in the limelight - how much more endorsement money could he make winning a title in two years as opposed to fading off into obscurity for an example of what you are saying.

The Heat still has things he values. Weather, Top Instagram Models, Pool Parties, Nightlife, No State Taxes, I’m guessing endorsements down in Miami but as someone who used to live down there for years, there isn’t a ton for that unless you’re a cross over celebrity and attract a Latin American audience. Regardless it’s more than Boston can offer. Even when Boston was on paper a much better team he wanted Miami for non basketball reasons.

That’s the reason why this 1000% will not happen. You legitimately have a better chance of getting the Warriors to S&T Kuminga to Boston for Horford and then salary dump Simons than Dame signing here, unless you move the franchise to a warm climate.

So we know exactly what he values now? Point is it’s an estimation. If he wants weather and chicks a la Harden then sure but if he is more focused on prestige and money then being irrelevant in Miami isn’t as attractive.

Remember he would have been the lead dog in Miami at that point whereas it was apparent he didn’t want to go to Milwaukee as a second banana. That’s irrelevant at this point he’s not a lead guy anymore.

So I’m not expecting him to come here but it’s not complicated if he wanted Miami throw up the Will Smith on insta and have at it.

[GoCeltics123]

According to an NBA source, Lillard would indeed consider signing with the Celtics, and the Celtics are indeed interested.

Per Washburn this morning.

[phincsfan]

According to an NBA source, Lillard would indeed consider signing with the Celtics, and the Celtics are indeed interested.

Per Washburn this morning.

26/27 roster after the #1 pick and a couple of trades

Neems/Garza/Williams/Ngongba or Condon (Hauser 1st rd trade)
JT/Dybantsa (#1 draft pick )
JB/Hugo/Peterson
Lillard/Rico
White/Pritchard

Shulga 2way

[hugepatsfan]

Most retired athletes tell you the thing they miss most about playing is the locker room comradery. Dame's recovery is going to be a long, grueling process and for the first time of his life really he's going to feel like he's not part of a team, even if he does sign with one vs. rehabbing on his own. I think there's real appeal to coming to Boston with Tatum also rehabbing. Apparently they've built some level of friendship over the years and going through that process together would probably, more so than any other place he can sign, make it feel like he's on a team. Any deal he signs is going to be a 2 year minimum for him to use team resources to rehab for a year and then the next year he comes back in year 2. With BOS he'll have spent a year really forging a bond with at least one of his teammates.

For the Celtics, you aren't competing this year anyway. If they let him and Tatum rehab for a year, their 26-27 roster would look like:

Dame / Pritchard
White
Brown / Hauser
Tatum
(MLE Signing) / Queta

Plus Bailor Scheierman (2024 1st rounder), Huge Gonzalez (2025 1st rounder) and their 2026 pick that probably projects to be in the 10-16 range if they're a play in team still, but maybe even higher, so hopefully And this is all in a scenario where they're still staying below the tax... there's speculation they'll eventually duck under this year and then stay under next year to reset repeater rates. If they forego that plan and go back the tax (but under 2nd apron still) over then, in addition to above they can probably re-sign or S&T Simons and Niang too for more depth. Even if Dame is a shell of himself, it's just good value to lock him in for the minimum a year our if you can because even like 50% of what he was in MIL is still a nice addition ad good gamble to take for the minimum.

[celticgreenie]

First and foremost, I actually believe Lillard when he was with the Bucks saying how he missed his kids back in Portland. Celtics have a family atmosphere where players feel safe bringing their kids to practice.

Second, Tatum made a genuine attempt a couple years ago to recruit Dame. I don't think their was any additional motive than that, but imo there is some positive lingering effect. Ainge and Celtics were openly interested in Porzingis when Phil Jackson was Knicks GM and I am sure it was not accident that eventually he got traded here. Celtics interview Cooper Flagg and Tre Johnson during the predraft process to lay the ground work for the remote chance that either of them one day will don a Celtic uniform through trade or free agency. I don't believe Tatum was trying to lay any groundwork as his recruitment of Dame was sincere, but the effects will still be the same.

Lastly, although Dame's demand to be traded to Miami tarnished his image around the league (recency bias), it doesn't take away from the fact he is a good dude who was loyal to Portland for many years and explains why another good dude in Tatum struck up a friendship with him. Speaking of friendships, this article gives a good glimpse of what Dame is about. Don't see many basketball articles written in depth about topics like this anymore. (And if Al stays in Boston, it's because he's another good dude beloved in Boston and wants his family to continue to experience this family environment.)

https://www.nba.com/blazers/forwardcenter/somewhat-unlikely-friendship-damian-lillard-and-chris-kaman?srsltid=AfmBOoo-5vdo3S2dgVpnGgZy-GIZYYwRovveO9YZvnA8tgGvTsLfItpe

[Green89]

Tank? Lol what are you guys on about. White/JB/Anferno/Pritch/Hauser are all ballers. Look out for a Jordan Walsh breakout year. Calling it now.

As for Dame, that was my favorite player for a looong time, modeled my game after him a lot, I would be ecstatic to have him. However his achilles will be, he can still spot up and nail 3 pointers after rehabbing. For a minimum, why not?

JB is set up to have the best season of his career. He's been waiting for a chance to be a #1. It's here.

[31to6]

Most retired athletes tell you the thing they miss most about playing is the locker room comradery. Dame's recovery is going to be a long, grueling process and for the first time of his life really he's going to feel like he's not part of a team, even if he does sign with one vs. rehabbing on his own. I think there's real appeal to coming to Boston with Tatum also rehabbing. Apparently they've built some level of friendship over the years and going through that process together would probably, more so than any other place he can sign, make it feel like he's on a team. Any deal he signs is going to be a 2 year minimum for him to use team resources to rehab for a year and then the next year he comes back in year 2. With BOS he'll have spent a year really forging a bond with at least one of his teammates.

For the Celtics, you aren't competing this year anyway. If they let him and Tatum rehab for a year, their 26-27 roster would look like:

Dame / Pritchard
White
Brown / Hauser
Tatum
(MLE Signing) / Queta

Plus Bailor Scheierman (2024 1st rounder), Huge Gonzalez (2025 1st rounder) and their 2026 pick that probably projects to be in the 10-16 range if they're a play in team still, but maybe even higher, so hopefully And this is all in a scenario where they're still staying below the tax... there's speculation they'll eventually duck under this year and then stay under next year to reset repeater rates. If they forego that plan and go back the tax (but under 2nd apron still) over then, in addition to above they can probably re-sign or S&T Simons and Niang too for more depth. Even if Dame is a shell of himself, it's just good value to lock him in for the minimum a year our if you can because even like 50% of what he was in MIL is still a nice addition ad good gamble to take for the minimum.

Wait — can we please call him HUGE GONZALEZ?
can even pronounce it without the “H”

Also I +1’d this even though I’m anti-Dame — damn you, UGE patsfan!

[165bows]

Most retired athletes tell you the thing they miss most about playing is the locker room comradery. Dame's recovery is going to be a long, grueling process and for the first time of his life really he's going to feel like he's not part of a team, even if he does sign with one vs. rehabbing on his own. I think there's real appeal to coming to Boston with Tatum also rehabbing. Apparently they've built some level of friendship over the years and going through that process together would probably, more so than any other place he can sign, make it feel like he's on a team. Any deal he signs is going to be a 2 year minimum for him to use team resources to rehab for a year and then the next year he comes back in year 2. With BOS he'll have spent a year really forging a bond with at least one of his teammates.

For the Celtics, you aren't competing this year anyway. If they let him and Tatum rehab for a year, their 26-27 roster would look like:

Dame / Pritchard
White
Brown / Hauser
Tatum
(MLE Signing) / Queta

Plus Bailor Scheierman (2024 1st rounder), Huge Gonzalez (2025 1st rounder) and their 2026 pick that probably projects to be in the 10-16 range if they're a play in team still, but maybe even higher, so hopefully And this is all in a scenario where they're still staying below the tax... there's speculation they'll eventually duck under this year and then stay under next year to reset repeater rates. If they forego that plan and go back the tax (but under 2nd apron still) over then, in addition to above they can probably re-sign or S&T Simons and Niang too for more depth. Even if Dame is a shell of himself, it's just good value to lock him in for the minimum a year our if you can because even like 50% of what he was in MIL is still a nice addition ad good gamble to take for the minimum.

Wait — can we please call him HUGE GONZALEZ?
can even pronounce it without the “H”

Also I +1’d this even though I’m anti-Dame — damn you, UGE patsfan!

It's HPF dammnit!!

HUGE Gonzalez better catch on quick otherwise every time he gets dusted it's going to be "Ugo right to the rim!!"

[165bows]

He probably won't even be good at all anymore but Lillard to Boston on a super cheap deal being a total cheat code around the new CBA, and as mentioned by others, kicking Milwaukee to the curb a second time would be hilarious.

[djFan71]

I'm good with it if he wants to sign a cheap 2 yr. Trade Simons then. No reason to have both in 26-27, and no reason to keep Simons for only 1 year. Give Pritchard, Scheierman, Hugo, even JD his time.