Celtics Reportedly Recently Pursued Damian Lillard Trade

With talks with the Heat at a contentious standstill, the Trail Blazers recently engaged teams across the NBA, including the Celtics, about potential Damian Lillard deals.

Bobby Krivitsky | Sep 28, 2023

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

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The Milwaukee Bucks altered the NBA landscape on Wednesday, swinging a deal for seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard.

The move may propel the Bucks to their second championship in four years. It at least figures to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee beyond this season.

USATSI_10360352 — Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

But according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, as talks between the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat remained at a contentious standstill, the latter began engaging in serious trade talks across the Association on Sep. 18.

Those discussions reportedly include conversations with the Boston Celtics. Along with them and the Bucks, Charania cites the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans, Chicago Bulls, and Minnesota Timberwolves as registering interest in acquiring Lillard.

As previously detailed, Jayson Tatum tried recruiting the seven-time All-NBA selection to Boston this summer, something the Celtics would've had to pay a steep price to accomplish, especially after parting with Marcus Smart to land Kristaps Porzingis.

Further Reading

Bucks Acquiring Damian Lillard a Boost to One Celtics Rival, Potentially Fatal Blow to Another

Evaluating Whether Celtics Should Trade for Jrue Holiday

Brad Stevens Provides Status Updates on Malcolm Brogdon, Kristaps Porzingis Ahead of Training Camp

Jayson Tatum Preparing for Point-Guard Role This Season

Payton Pritchard, Eager to Help Celtics Seize Banner 18, Senses Teammates 'Urgency to Do Something Special'

Candace Parker on Celtics Trading Marcus Smart, Maximizing Tatum-Brown Tandem, Pat Summitt, and the Sports Matter Initiative

Brad Stevens Discusses Differences in Joe Mazzulla Entering Year 2 as Celtics' Head Coach

Here's What to Know About Celtics' 2023-24 Schedule

Examining How Celtics' Starting Lineup Might Shapeshift This Season

Dwyane Wade Discusses Jayson Tatum's Next Step, Him and Jaylen Brown's Challenge, Heat Culture, Pat Riley, Damian Lillard, and Life After Basketball

Why Celtics Should Enter 2023-24 Season Optimistic About Most Important Area of Improvement

Published Sep 28, 2023

BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.