Jayson Tatum Pitches Damian Lillard as Celtics Explore Roster Changes

Jayson Tatum is actively recruiting during his recovery from a significant Achilles injury, aiming to bring fellow All-Star Damian Lillard to the Boston Celtics. Both players are currently undergoing rehabilitation after sustaining similar injuries in the NBA playoffs, which will sideline them for much, if not all, of the upcoming 2025-26 season.

Tatum’s Strategy: Convincing Lillard

Reports from the Boston Globe have indicated Tatum’s interest in Lillard, especially after the latter was recently waived by the Milwaukee Bucks. This recent change means that Lillard, a nine-time All-Star currently healing from an Achilles tear, is available for the Celtics to consider.

Boston’s Roster Reshuffling

The Celtics made headlines by reshaping their roster following a disappointing exit in the playoffs against the Knicks. Notable moves include trading away:

• Jrue Holiday
• Kristaps Porzingis

This restructuring aims to bolster their lineup as they prepare for the future without Tatum and potentially Lillard for a season.

Lillard’s Current Status

As of now, Damian Lillard, who will turn 35 on July 15, faces an uncertain recovery path. The Bucks have decided to part ways with him in favor of acquiring Myles Turner from the Pacers. The situation leaves Lillard in a position where he is not in a rush to sign with a new team, considering his ongoing rehab and the financial implications tied to his contract, which guarantees him $22 million annually for the next five years.

Performance Before Injury

Before his injury, Lillard was having a stellar season with the Bucks:

• 24.9 points per game
• 7.1 assists per game
• 4.7 rebounds per game
• 44.8% shooting from the field
• 37.6% from beyond the arc

His All-Star credentials have remained intact, as he has made the All-Star team for the last three years and averaged remarkable statistics that align closely with his career averages.

Challenges Ahead

The upcoming season is fraught with uncertainty regarding Lillard’s recovery from such a serious injury at this stage in his career. His recent playoff performance included:

• 14 points in Game 1 against the Pacers
• 7 points in Game 2
• An unfortunate Achilles injury during Game 3, where he played only six scoreless minutes

The Celtics’ Future Without Tatum

With Tatum recovering, much of the scoring and leadership burden will fall on:

• Jaylen Brown
• Derrick White

Boston’s front office appears focused on not just recovering from last season’s disappointment but building a championship-caliber team that could flourish in the coming years, especially if they can secure Lillard.

Conclusion: A New Era for the Celtics?

The recruitment of Damian Lillard is a significant move for the Celtics as they look to redefine their approach for the forthcoming season. If Lillard signs and is able to return to form post-recovery, the combination of Tatum, Brown, and Lillard could reshape the competitive landscape of the NBA.

For more detailed coverage on NBA trades and player movements, check out this article on the latest NBA updates.

As fans await further developments, the excitement surrounding a potential Tatum-Lillard partnership remains a hot topic in Boston and beyond.