Overview
- Damian Lillard remains unsigned while rehabbing a torn Achilles and is focused on securing a multi-year deal that aligns with his recovery timeline
- Jayson Tatum has personally recruited Lillard, positioning the Celtics as his leading free-agency destination
- Boston’s front office is exploring a trade of Anfernee Simons to clear the necessary salary cap space for Lillard
- The team intends to deploy its $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception under the new CBA to facilitate the contract
- The proposed agreement is structured to have both Lillard and Tatum fully healthy for a 2026–27 championship push