The Boston Celtics have been among the class of the Eastern Conference for years now and that isn't expected to change anytime soon, despite Jayson Tatum's untimely Achilles injury.
While Boston will understandably take a small step back during the 2025-26 campaign with Tatum sidelined and veterans like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis shown the door, it opens the door for the Celtics to take advantage of a unique opportunity for Brad Stevens and the front office.
It isn't a regular occurrence for an All-NBA player to potentially fall into the lap of an organization, but should they choose to pursue the veteran, that is the reality the Celtics find themselves in after the 4th of July holiday weekend.
Boston Celtics Gifted Perfect Opportunity to Damian Lillard to Roster
Much like Tatum, Damian Lillard suffered an Achilles injury during Game 4 of the Milwaukee Bucks' opening-round loss to the Indiana Pacers and is expected to miss the majority, if not all, of the 2025-26 campaign.
With all the uncertainty in Milwaukee regarding the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks made the surprising decision to utilize the league's stretch provision to get out of the remaining years of Lillard's contract. Now, the seven-time All-NBA selection is a free agent and, according to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe, there is reportedly mutual interest in a partnership in Boston.
As Washburn notes in his report, this has the potential to be a slam-dunk addition for the Celtics and is an opportunity Stevens should jump at once Lillard clears waivers. From Kyrie Irving to Kemba Walker, and then Jrue Holiday, Boston has been a hot spot for veteran point guards over the last decade. Lillard could easily continue that trend on a deal that would come at a relatively low cost to the Celtics, as the Bucks will be paying him the bulk of his money over the coming years.
Lillard's timeline fits the spot Boston is in as a franchise entering the 2025-26 season. He should be healthy and motivated to prove to the basketball world that he is still just as dangerous as he was once he is ready to roll for the 2026-27 campaign. Having a player of his caliber, on a team-friendly contract, who could serve as a leader in the locker room while rehabbing side-by-side with Tatum makes all the sense in the world.
This is a gift for Stevens and the Celtics, and they would be wise to take advantage of the opportunity before it slips away.