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Surprising Jayson Tatum News Emerges as Celtics Tilt More for Damian Lillard

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sahil Goswami | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 1:01 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks made a shocking move this offseason, placing Damian Lillard on waivers despite the veteran guard still having plenty left in the tank. With the franchise shifting gears after a disappointing run, they cleared space to make room for new pieces like Myles Turner, leaving Lillard, a future Hall of Famer, out in the cold… but only briefly.

Since hitting the market, Lillard has been linked to several teams, but one has quickly emerged as a frontrunner the Boston Celtics. According to The Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn , “Lillard has some interest in the Celtics, in part because of the close friendship he's built with star forward Jayson Tatum.”

That connection could prove huge, especially considering both stars are recovering from torn Achilles injuries and are expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season.

The idea of rehabbing together and aiming for a big comeback season in 2026-27 has added fuel to the rumor fire. “They could work to rehab together and try to build toward a special season when they're both back on the court,” Washburn noted.

Damian Lillard to the Celtics is really starting to gain steam. pic.twitter.com/HdRSBKg8xL
— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) July 6, 2025

Tatum, who has been the face of the Celtics in recent years, shares not just Olympic memories with Lillard (from their Team USA run in 2020) but now also a similar recovery timeline. That friendship and mutual respect may give Boston an edge in landing the All-Star guard.

Breaking: Jayson Tatum with an IG post to Damian Lillard

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

As for Lillard, he’s reportedly happy about being waived by Milwaukee. With his salary mostly covered due to offsets, he could sign with a contender for the veteran minimum. And Boston despite heading into a transition year offers him a chance to return to title contention with Tatum and Jaylen Brown when healthy.

The Celtics might just be the right place at the right time for Dame Time.

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

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