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New NBA Team Emerges in Damian Lillard Sweepstakes

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sahil Goswami | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 9:37 AM ET

The Damian Lillard saga just took another twist. After being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks in a shocking move to make room for Myles Turner, Lillard finds himself at the center of NBA free agency buzz. The Bucks, in a bid to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy and retool their roster, offloaded the nine-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer along with the $113 million still owed on his contract. It was a surprising end to a pairing that never quite clicked due to injuries and timing.

Now, Lillard currently recovering from a torn Achilles is a free agent for the first time in his career. And the Boston Celtics have suddenly emerged as serious contenders for his signature. According to The Boston Globe, interest is mutual and things are “progressing.”

The Celtics are in a transition year with Jayson Tatum also sidelined due to injury. That could make Boston the perfect spot for Lillard to recover and prepare for a major 2026-27 run.

“The Celtics have plenty of enough talent to allow Lillard to ease into his new environment,” one source noted. With a taxpayer midlevel exception of $5.6 million available, Boston could sign Lillard at a bargain price especially since the Bucks are still footing most of his salary.

Breaking: Jayson Tatum with an IG post to Damian Lillard

Dame is headed to Boston pic.twitter.com/1M8on4b96O
— CelticsForum (@CelticsForum0) July 5, 2025

The idea of Lillard and Tatum bonding during rehab, while preparing for a title push, has fans buzzing. But Boston’s not the only option. The Heat, Lakers, and Warriors are all reportedly interested, though questions remain about fit, cap space, and Lillard’s willingness to wait a year.

Still, with Boston’s young core and his friendship with Tatum from the Tokyo Olympics, the Celtics might just be the best bet for Dame’s championship dreams and a fresh start.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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