Damian Lillard may not step on the courtroom subsequent season, however Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn is satisfied the Celtics ought to make a transfer for the nine-time All-Star.
“It’s low cost. $5.6 million mid-level, two years, as a result of he’s already getting paid by the Bucks. So cash shouldn’t be a difficulty,” Washburn mentioned on NBC Sports activities Boston’s Early Version. “You sit him for this yr. You let him rehab his Achilles, whether or not it’s part-time to go to Portland and again to Boston, sort of let him do it as a result of he needs to be near his household. He bonds with Jayson Tatum within the rehab, he will get himself wholesome, after which in 2026-27, now you compete.”
“You’ve two All-NBA gamers coming again together with Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, after which whoever’s middle. Two All-NBA gamers, three All-Stars, and a Defensive Participant of the 12 months candidate in you’re beginning 5, and also you come again to attempt to win one other title in ’26-’27. You may’t take two or three years off. You may’t financial institution that guys are gonna be prepared in ’29 or ’30. You gotta win now. You’re taking subsequent yr off, let him relaxation, then deliver him again with Tatum, and also you’ve bought an opportunity to win a ‘chip.”
34 years outdated Lillard was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this week, leaving the Celtics, Lakers, and Warriors among the many groups reportedly , in keeping with The Athletic.
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