$113 million All-Star was reportedly in contact with Celtics before going elsewhere

The Boston Celtics have made some big moves this offseason and just missed out on another blockbuster.

Since falling in the second round of the playoffs to the New York Knicks, the Celtics have been in a strange position. With the significant ramifications of the second apron looming, Boston chose to make its offseason moves based on its financial situation.

By sending out Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, the team mostly accomplished its goals. However, with the unfortunate losses of Luke Kornet and Al Horford in free agency, the team has taken a significant step back, even without factoring in Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles.

With the team set to get back on the title hunt in the 2026-27 season, the Celtics were looking to make a splash in free agency and add Damian Lillard. Like Tatum, Lillard will spend all of next season recovering from a torn Achilles, which would have made him a perfect fit in Boston.

While the All-Star guard chose a reunion in Portland over coming to the Celtics, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Boston was a team that had met with Lillard and was a team he seriously considered. With all of the other moves Boston has had to make this summer, it would have been a home run signing for the Celtics.

Instead, Boston is still looking for other ways to improve the roster and could be looking for other potential gems on the free agent market. Brad Stevens has proven himself to be one of the best in the business, but even he has some misses.