Lillard (signs with Blazers 7/17/25)

[SuperDeluxe]

Does any salary Lillard makes over the next two seasons get offset by a reduction in what the Bucks pay him??

If it does, then his new salary will be pretty irrelevant to him (for 2 years only). If it doesn't, then he might or might not actually care about the dollar amounts.

That's what I understand. Wherever he signs, he'll most likely do it for the minimum (to help his new team while sticking it to the Bucks). Unless, of course, a crazy GM wants to offer him more than he was making.

[Fencer reregistered]

Does any salary Lillard makes over the next two seasons get offset by a reduction in what the Bucks pay him??

If it does, then his new salary will be pretty irrelevant to him (for 2 years only). If it doesn't, then he might or might not actually care about the dollar amounts.

That's what I understand. Wherever he signs, he'll most likely do it for the minimum (to help his new team while sticking it to the Bucks). Unless, of course, a crazy GM wants to offer him more than he was making.

Then his main financial reason to care about the cap situation of his next team is the 2027-28 season. Before that he doesn't care what he's paid. After that his new team (if he stays with them will have Bird rights). But for one year his salary might be affected by whether that team -- assuming he stays with them -- can use the Early Bird exception, what level (if any) of MLE they can use, and stuff like that.

[bucknersrevenge]

Dame is an Oakland guy. His family is still out West and he HATED being away from them in Milwaukee. So he's gonna choose Boston now?? If you're Dame, Boston couldn't makes LESS sense as a destination if we tried. If Dame is smart, he'll join the 35 and over crowd in Golden State.

I mean, do you really doubt Himmelsbach? The guy is nails when it comes to the Celtics.

Also Dame would probably be Steph's backup so idk if he'd want that. I do think we're not at the top of his list or anything, but I do think he'll hear us out.

I think Dame probably wants to be in Portland again to see his kids, but not sure if the Blazers want him at this point

I think there's tepid interest on both sides. But in the end I really do think being closer to family is going to win out for him. And I think Golden State will find a way to work it out if he says yes. I don't think Dame is even in a rush nor should we expect an answer any time soon. I have no doubt Dame would give Brad and Boston the respect of hearing us out if we are truly interested but beyond that it doesn't make much sense for him to choose here. He would certainly be willing to back up Stepg before he backs up Payton Pritchard but if he came to Boston that's exactly what he'd be doing. No way Joe starts that guy over players he trusts.

[GoCeltics123]

Dame is an Oakland guy. His family is still out West and he HATED being away from them in Milwaukee. So he's gonna choose Boston now?? If you're Dame, Boston couldn't makes LESS sense as a destination if we tried. If Dame is smart, he'll join the 35 and over crowd in Golden State.

I mean, do you really doubt Himmelsbach? The guy is nails when it comes to the Celtics.

Also Dame would probably be Steph's backup so idk if he'd want that. I do think we're not at the top of his list or anything, but I do think he'll hear us out.

I think Dame probably wants to be in Portland again to see his kids, but not sure if the Blazers want him at this point

I think there's tepid interest on both sides. But in the end I really do think being closer to family is going to win out for him. And I think Golden State will find a way to work it out if he says yes. I don't think Dame is even in a rush nor should we expect an answer any time soon. I have no doubt Dame would give Brad and Boston the respect of hearing us out if we are truly interested but beyond that it doesn't make much sense for him to choose here. He would certainly be willing to back up Stepg before he backs up Payton Pritchard but if he came to Boston that's exactly what he'd be doing. No way Joe starts that guy over players he trusts.

0% chance Dame would be willing to be a backup, wherever he goes. Why would he do that?

The guy has an ego, achilles tear or not, some team will offer him a starting spot. He'd be an idiot to sign as a backup with any team

[jfs1000d]

He is divorced, so seeing his kids is probably a weekend thing. He has had a rough go of it so I think Boston is a good spot for him. He is out for the year, and then can go home on the weekends for it, or even stay and rehab out of the city. Blazers would let him rehab there.


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[jfs1000d]

Also. Why do some posters act like this is a non starter? We have confirmed interest on both sides, and no other team has expressed interest in media at least.

Dame can go wherever he wants and will do what he wants.

Miami thinks it can sign Beal and Lillard and their posters act like the club atmosphere > than the team.

Celtics are one of top franchises in pro sports, and we act like we are the charlotte hornets. lol

[Green89]

Dame is an Oakland guy. His family is still out West and he HATED being away from them in Milwaukee. So he's gonna choose Boston now?? If you're Dame, Boston couldn't makes LESS sense as a destination if we tried. If Dame is smart, he'll join the 35 and over crowd in Golden State.

I mean, do you really doubt Himmelsbach? The guy is nails when it comes to the Celtics.

Also Dame would probably be Steph's backup so idk if he'd want that. I do think we're not at the top of his list or anything, but I do think he'll hear us out.

I think Dame probably wants to be in Portland again to see his kids, but not sure if the Blazers want him at this point

I think there's tepid interest on both sides. But in the end I really do think being closer to family is going to win out for him. And I think Golden State will find a way to work it out if he says yes. I don't think Dame is even in a rush nor should we expect an answer any time soon. I have no doubt Dame would give Brad and Boston the respect of hearing us out if we are truly interested but beyond that it doesn't make much sense for him to choose here. He would certainly be willing to back up Stepg before he backs up Payton Pritchard but if he came to Boston that's exactly what he'd be doing. No way Joe starts that guy over players he trusts.

Steph may not be in the league any longer when Lillard is back playing a full season. I doubt he joins a Golden State team to align with their rebuilding years. The only way he goes there is if he thinks there's a chance he can come back for the end of this upcoming season, and they add people this offseason he feels gives him a shot at a ring right now.

[Fencer reregistered]

What are the limitations on signing a guy who used to make a lot of money and then got waived?

They're basically in the form that a guy who used to make more than the non-taxpayer MLE can't be signed as a FA, but that leaves the questions:

-- What's the time period? (Surely the same season he was waived? Only during the regular season?)
-- Who exactly are the teams that can't sign him?
-- Are there any loopholes? (E.g., he signs with a team for the minimum, they waive him too -- then what?)

[165bows]

What are the limitations on signing a guy who used to make a lot of money and then got waived?

They're basically in the form that a guy who used to make more than the non-taxpayer MLE can't be signed as a FA, but that leaves the questions:

-- What's the time period? (Surely the same season he was waived? Only during the regular season?)
-- Who exactly are the teams that can't sign him?
-- Are there any loopholes? (E.g., he signs with a team for the minimum, they waive him too -- then what?)

Good questions, I forgot about that issue.

[chrisab123]

Also. Why do some posters act like this is a non starter? We have confirmed interest on both sides, and no other team has expressed interest in media at least.

Dame can go wherever he wants and will do what he wants.

Miami thinks it can sign Beal and Lillard and their posters act like the club atmosphere > than the team.

Celtics are one of top franchises in pro sports, and we act like we are the charlotte hornets. lol

I fit into this category. Let me explain why. Both of those players have had an intense interest in playing in Miami in the past. It’s not all about women or clubs either. No state taxes, weather, more endorsements. It’s honestly a sound financial decision as well. Let’s put ourselves in their shoes for a moment would you rather spend your 30s in beautiful weather or icy roads? State taxes or no taxes? Players interests in going to a location have almost nothing to do with basketball, it’s about what a market can offer them.

The Celtics on paper are probably the top NBA franchise. That said they aren’t in a market where they’re going to attract elite top 5-top 10 talent. They got Horford and they got Hayward because of his relationship with Brad Stevens (his wife was pushing him hard to take the Miami deal) so with regards to signing top free agents they are kind of like the Hornets, who ironically also signed Hayward.

It will come out that the Celtics have interest in Lillard and Beal and the interest might very well be mutual. But they aren’t going to walk through that door. There’s better options out there for those two with Miami GSW or LAL. LA gives Dame a better gateway to his rap career too.

[Smart2Nesmith43]

What are the limitations on signing a guy who used to make a lot of money and then got waived?

They're basically in the form that a guy who used to make more than the non-taxpayer MLE can't be signed as a FA, but that leaves the questions:

-- What's the time period? (Surely the same season he was waived? Only during the regular season?)
-- Who exactly are the teams that can't sign him?
-- Are there any loopholes? (E.g., he signs with a team for the minimum, they waive him too -- then what?)

Here is the relevant info from the CBA about transactions restictions for teams over the first apron:

"Team signs a Contract during the Regular Season with a player who was previously under a Contract that: (i) was terminated during such Regular Season; and (ii) prior to such termination, provided for a Salary for the Salary Cap Year encompassing such Regular Season of greater than the amount of the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Salary Exception for such Salary Cap Year"

https://imgix.cosmicjs.com/25da5eb0-15eb-11ee-b5b3-fbd321202bdf-Final-2023-NBA-Collective-Bargaining-Agreement-6-28-23.pdf

I'm no lawyer but my understanding is that it would preclude the Celtics (or any team above the first apron) from signing Lillard outright at any point during the season unless they drop below the first apron. The wording is pretty generic so I'm not sure there is a loophole around it. The sign, waive, sign again doesn't seem to work (he would still have had previously a salary that was over the MLE even if was not his last contract).

[Smart2Nesmith43]

The text says sign so I guess any loophole would have to be around trading for him. So let's say he signs somewhere else for the minimum, then the Celtics can trade for him once the appropriate amount of time has passed (which doesn't really matter because he's not playing during that time anyway) because now you aren't signing him out right but trading for a contract where standard salary matching rules apply. I think.

It would be nice if there were some media members that could do their jobs and look into this instead of spewing unsubstantiated rumors and calling it a day.

[165bows]

Also. Why do some posters act like this is a non starter? We have confirmed interest on both sides, and no other team has expressed interest in media at least.

Dame can go wherever he wants and will do what he wants.

Miami thinks it can sign Beal and Lillard and their posters act like the club atmosphere > than the team.

Celtics are one of top franchises in pro sports, and we act like we are the charlotte hornets. lol

I fit into this category. Let me explain why. Both of those players have had an intense interest in playing in Miami in the past. It’s not all about women or clubs either. No state taxes, weather, more endorsements. It’s honestly a sound financial decision as well. Let’s put ourselves in their shoes for a moment would you rather spend your 30s in beautiful weather or icy roads? State taxes or no taxes? Players interests in going to a location have almost nothing to do with basketball, it’s about what a market can offer them.

The Celtics on paper are probably the top NBA franchise. That said they aren’t in a market where they’re going to attract elite top 5-top 10 talent. They got Horford and they got Hayward because of his relationship with Brad Stevens (his wife was pushing him hard to take the Miami deal) so with regards to signing top free agents they are kind of like the Hornets, who ironically also signed Hayward.

It will come out that the Celtics have interest in Lillard and Beal and the interest might very well be mutual. But they aren’t going to walk through that door. There’s better options out there for those two with Miami GSW or LAL. LA gives Dame a better gateway to his rap career too.

I agree it’s not just about kitty kat that’s a bit short sighted but all these things above matter.

I also think you are shorting the Celtics here though it’s not just about Horford/Hayward definitely Porzingis was in that list, reportedly also Brogdon, and very likely Jrue and White as well had some influence on it.

But the guys that really like the limelight and want more than a great team and run franchise like other places more for sure.

[Curmudgeon]

Meh. He wasn't the same player even before he tore his achilles. It's just a gimmick idea that might sell a few tickets. You win titles with defense, not with 36 year-old 6 foot tall gimpy chuckers who used to be good.

[165bows]

Also worth noting he’s prob waiting on Lebron to see if anything happens there and maybe even Horford might be in that mix too.

[Curmudgeon]

Also worth noting he’s prob waiting on Lebron to see if anything happens there and maybe even Horford might be in that mix too.

Will they go into assisted living together?

[165bows]

Also worth noting he’s prob waiting on Lebron to see if anything happens there and maybe even Horford might be in that mix too.

Will they go into assisted living together?

Nah they will prob get their own place have to be worth well north of a billion combined

[chrisab123]

Also. Why do some posters act like this is a non starter? We have confirmed interest on both sides, and no other team has expressed interest in media at least.

Dame can go wherever he wants and will do what he wants.

Miami thinks it can sign Beal and Lillard and their posters act like the club atmosphere > than the team.

Celtics are one of top franchises in pro sports, and we act like we are the charlotte hornets. lol

I fit into this category. Let me explain why. Both of those players have had an intense interest in playing in Miami in the past. It’s not all about women or clubs either. No state taxes, weather, more endorsements. It’s honestly a sound financial decision as well. Let’s put ourselves in their shoes for a moment would you rather spend your 30s in beautiful weather or icy roads? State taxes or no taxes? Players interests in going to a location have almost nothing to do with basketball, it’s about what a market can offer them.

The Celtics on paper are probably the top NBA franchise. That said they aren’t in a market where they’re going to attract elite top 5-top 10 talent. They got Horford and they got Hayward because of his relationship with Brad Stevens (his wife was pushing him hard to take the Miami deal) so with regards to signing top free agents they are kind of like the Hornets, who ironically also signed Hayward.

It will come out that the Celtics have interest in Lillard and Beal and the interest might very well be mutual. But they aren’t going to walk through that door. There’s better options out there for those two with Miami GSW or LAL. LA gives Dame a better gateway to his rap career too.

I agree it’s not just about kitty kat that’s a bit short sighted but all these things above matter.

I also think you are shorting the Celtics here though it’s not just about Horford/Hayward definitely Porzingis was in that list, reportedly also Brogdon, and very likely Jrue and White as well had some influence on it.

But the guys that really like the limelight and want more than a great team and run franchise like other places more for sure.

Eh but Porzingis was traded to the team. The Celtics are a lot like the St Louis Cardinals in that regard. FAs generally don’t flock there but once they get traded they fall in love with the place and stay. My point of the Celtics being like the Hornets in FA is that there’s Miami, LA, GSW, NYC and then there’s everyone else with very little separation between them. Those markets will always getting first crack at the true elite FAs, the Celtics never will. Not saying that one day they can’t sign a top 5 FA but they’re always going to be at a disadvantage to do so. That has nothing to do with basketball reasons either.

[jfs1000d]

Also. Why do some posters act like this is a non starter? We have confirmed interest on both ssides, and no other team has expressed interest in media at least.

Dame can go wherever he wants and will do what he wants.

Miami thinks it can sign Beal and Lillard and their posters act like the club atmosphere > than the team.

Celtics are one of top franchises in pro sports, and we act like we are the charlotte hornets. lol

I fit into this category. Let me explain why. Both of those players have had an intense interest in playing in Miami in the past. It’s not all about women or clubs either. No state taxes, weather, more endorsements. It’s honestly a sound financial decision as well. Let’s put ourselves in their shoes for a moment would you rather spend your 30s in beautiful weather or icy roads? State taxes or no taxes? Players interests in going to a location have almost nothing to do with basketball, it’s about what a market can offer them.

The Celtics on paper are probably the top NBA franchise. That said they aren’t in a market where they’re going to attract elite top 5-top 10 talent. They got Horford and they got Hayward because of his relationship with Brad Stevens (his wife was pushing him hard to take the Miami deal) so with regards to signing top free agents they are kind of like the Hornets, who ironically also signed Hayward.

It will come out that the Celtics have interest in Lillard and Beal and the interest might very well be mutual. But they aren’t going to walk through that door. There’s better options out there for those two with Miami GSW or LAL. LA gives Dame a better gateway to his rap career too.

I agree it’s not just about kitty kat that’s a bit short sighted but all these things above matter.

I also think you are shorting the Celtics here though it’s not just about Horford/Hayward definitely Porzingis was in that list, reportedly also Brogdon, and very likely Jrue and White as well had some influence on it.

But the guys that really like the limelight and want more than a great team and run franchise like other places more for sure.

I disagree. It comes down to salary, opportunity, championship fit. Look at since the KG trade in 2007. Celtics have gotten a ton of players with other options. Not just free agents, but also trades.

I think we've missed one playoff in 18 years. You don't get there by being a place that can't attract talent.

Also The state income tax thing is a very little factor….having run in circles
Of very wealthy people, taxes don't affect where they live or want to go. They go where they want to go.

Wealthy People don't make life decisions based on state taxes. Never have. It is a factor when you look at everything and their accountants work magic, but we gotta get off this working class notion about taxes.

Duncan Robinson optd out went from Miami to Detroit
Max Strus left Miami for Cleveland
Butler left Miami for highest taxed region in the country

Pat Riley, Spolestra and the Miami brand are why people want to go to heat. But once Jimmy left, it isn't such a polikst place.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[165bows]

I fit into this category. Let me explain why. Both of those players have had an intense interest in playing in Miami in the past. It’s not all about women or clubs either. No state taxes, weather, more endorsements. It’s honestly a sound financial decision as well. Let’s put ourselves in their shoes for a moment would you rather spend your 30s in beautiful weather or icy roads? State taxes or no taxes? Players interests in going to a location have almost nothing to do with basketball, it’s about what a market can offer them.

The Celtics on paper are probably the top NBA franchise. That said they aren’t in a market where they’re going to attract elite top 5-top 10 talent. They got Horford and they got Hayward because of his relationship with Brad Stevens (his wife was pushing him hard to take the Miami deal) so with regards to signing top free agents they are kind of like the Hornets, who ironically also signed Hayward.

It will come out that the Celtics have interest in Lillard and Beal and the interest might very well be mutual. But they aren’t going to walk through that door. There’s better options out there for those two with Miami GSW or LAL. LA gives Dame a better gateway to his rap career too.

I agree it’s not just about kitty kat that’s a bit short sighted but all these things above matter.

I also think you are shorting the Celtics here though it’s not just about Horford/Hayward definitely Porzingis was in that list, reportedly also Brogdon, and very likely Jrue and White as well had some influence on it.

But the guys that really like the limelight and want more than a great team and run franchise like other places more for sure.

Eh but Porzingis was traded to the team. The Celtics are a lot like the St Louis Cardinals in that regard. FAs generally don’t flock there but once they get traded they fall in love with the place and stay. My point of the Celtics being like the Hornets in FA is that there’s Miami, LA, GSW, NYC and then there’s everyone else with very little separation between them. Those markets will always getting first crack at the true elite FAs, the Celtics never will. Not saying that one day they can’t sign a top 5 FA but they’re always going to be at a disadvantage to do so. That has nothing to do with basketball reasons either.

Porzingis was technically traded but he was an impending FA and had totally control of where he wanted to go.