The Celtics were reportedly one of the finalists for free agent star Damian Lillard before he opted to rejoin the Portland Trail Blazers last week on a three-year deal worth $42 million. However, some new comments from Lillard indicate that Boston may never have had much of a chance after all to land the 35-year-old.

Celtics Fan Favorite Is Trending After Damian Lillard Move originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Boston Celtics were interested in Damian Lillard, but the nine-time All-Star decided on Thursday to return to where his NBA career started when he re-joined the Portland Trail Blazers.

Damian Lillard agreed to a three-year, $42 million deal with the Trail Blazers, which is more than the Celtics could've offered.

To that end, a new update has been revealed about Boston's rumored pursuit of Lillard. According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, Tatum has been actively recruiting Lillard to the Celtics.

Celtics’ Final Offer to Damian Lillard Surfaces After Blazers Move originally appeared on Athlon Sports. On Thursday, news broke that All-Star guard Damian Lillard has re-joined the Portland Trail Blazers on a three-year, $42 million deal (h/t Shams Charania of ESPN ).

Tatum is looking to convince Damian Lillard to join the Celtics after he was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, according to the Boston Globe. Both players tore their Achilles during the NBA playoffs and will miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season.

The Boston Celtics are continuing to look for trades involving guard Anfernee Simons, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.