Jayson Tatum News Emerges Amid Damian Lillard Rumors Linking Star to Celtics originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Milwaukee Bucks made a shocking move this offseason, placing Damian Lillard on waivers while taking a massive financial hit by stretching the star’s contract. With the franchise shifting gears after a disappointing early playoff exit, the Bucks cleared space to make room for new pieces like Myles Turner.
As the Bucks build a revamped roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo, the focus continue to shift towards where Lillard will play next. One Eastern Conference team is emerging as a potential landing spot for Lillard.
Since hitting the market, Lillard has been linked to several teams, but one has quickly emerged as a potential contender in the Boston Celtics.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (right) chats up Golden State Warriors assistant coach Ron Adams before a game.D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
According to the Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn, “Lillard has some interest in the Celtics, in part because of the close friendship he’s built with star forward Jayson Tatum.”
This connection could prove to be significant, especially considering both stars are recovering from torn Achilles injuries and are expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season.
The idea of rehabbing together and aiming for a big comeback season in 2026-27 has added fuel to the rumor fire.
“They could work to rehab together and try to build toward a special season when they’re both back on the court,” Washburn added.
Damian Lillard to the Celtics is really starting to gain steam. 👀 pic.twitter.com/HdRSBKg8xL
— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) July 6, 2025
Tatum, who has been the face of the Celtics in recent years, shares not just Olympic memories with Lillard (from their Team USA run in 2020) but now also has a similar recovery timeline. This friendship and shared recovery mission may give Boston an edge in landing the All-Star guard.
🚨 Breaking: Jayson Tatum with an IG post to Damian Lillard
Dame is headed to Boston pic.twitter.com/1M8on4b96O
— CelticsForum (@CelticsForum0) July 5, 2025
Despite the Celtics heading into a transition year given Tatum’s injury, Boston offers Lillard a chance to return to title contention when Tatum and Jaylen Brown are both fully healthy.
The Celtics might just be the right place for Dame Time.
Related: New NBA Team Emerges in Damian Lillard Sweepstakes
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
