There have been many Damian Lillard trade proposals involving the Boston Celtics, but the latest from the NBA Analysis Network retain all projected starters beyond the 2023-24 season and add the seven-time All-NBA point guard — creating a Big Five starting lineup of Lillard, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Kristaps Porzingis. The full offer would see the Cs land Lillard for Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III, Payton Pritchard, Oshae Brissett, a 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 4 Protected – GSW via BOS), a 2026 First-Round Pick (via BOS), and a 2030 First-Round Pick (via BOS).
NBA Analysis Network’s James Piercey believes the Celtics should appeal to Lillard if he really wants to win an NBA Championship at this stage of his career; considering that most of the rumors currently revolve around the 33-year-old heading to the Miami Heat for whatever coveted assets they can offer other than Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
“Well, here’s the question: what’s most important to Lillard? Does he long for the weather and nightlife of South Beach? Or, is Lillard aiming for an NBA championship? If it’s the latter, the Celtics should ask him out,” Piercey wrote. “We suspect it’s the latter. So, why not Boston? Lillard will join forces with Tatum and Jaylen Brown. This is one of the most talented teams in the NBA. Meanwhile, if feeling needed is a priority for Lillard, he should be happy to land in Boston.
The Trail Blazers’ lack of leverage could lead to the Boston Celtics, or another team, getting Damian Lillard on the cheap.
Lillard erased any leverage the Portland Trail Blazers had in the sweepstakes for his talents by insisting on only playing for the Heat. His character changes the narrative of who he is: once a loyal player in the first team, but now someone who needs things to go exactly that way or he won’t agree.
That would help a team like the Boston Celtics swoop in and get him without missing out on any significant wins. Malcolm Brogdon’s injury history/post-non-Los Angeles Clippers trade reaction, Robert Williams III’s similarly spotty health, and Payton Pritchard’s woes all make them unnecessary in the grand scheme; especially for a starting five filled with stars like the Jays, with more White growth, and if his output is similar to his 2022-23 efforts with the Washington Wizards, Porzingis.