Oct 2, 2023; Boston, Celtics, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens talks during Boston Celtics Media Day. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images David Butler II-Imagn Images

Boston Celtics Reportedly Miss Out On 9x NBA All-Star

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 3:10 PM ET

Damian Lillard suffered a season-ending injury during the 2025 NBA playoffs.

Despite the fact, that he will likely miss all of next season, he had been one of the most coveted free agents on the market (after getting waived by the Milwaukee Bucks).

On Thursday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported the news that Lillard will now sign a deal to return to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Dame back in Portland

(via @ShamsCharania) pic.twitter.com/4Zmtt8yeml
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 17, 2025

According to Charania, one team that had attempted to land Lillard was the Boston Celtics.

Via Justin Turpin of WEEI: "Shams confirms on ESPN that the Celtics did have an offer out for Damian Lillard"

Shams confirms on ESPN that the Celtics did have an offer out for Damian Lillard
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) July 18, 2025

Despite his current health status, Lillard would have been an intriguing fit next to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for the 2026-27 season.

He finished his final regular season with the Bucks averaging 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.2 steals per contest while shooting 44.8% from the field and 37.6% from the three-point range in 58 games.

On the biggest reason Damian Lillard returned to Portland for @SportsCenter at Night: pic.twitter.com/aQVIl6WIrm
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 18, 2025

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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