Jayson Tatum is recruiting Damian Lillard to the Boston Celtics, according to NBA insider Marc J. Spears of Andscape.
Lillard has requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers and wants to get traded to the Miami Heat. However, that hasn’t stopped Tatum from reaching out to the seven-time All-Star.
“I’m hearing Jayson Tatum is knocking on that door now too to figure out a way to get (Lillard) to come to Boston,” Spears said on NBA Today (h/t Brian Robb of Masslive.com).
Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and TNT, who has a relationship with Lillard, told Dan Patrick in June that Lillard doesn’t want to play for the Celtics. The Blazers legend’s sole focus is on getting traded to the Heat so he can play with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
A Big 3 of Lillard, Tatum and Brown would be lethal, although it’s possible the Celtics would have to trade Brown or Tatum to get Lillard. Boston lost to Miami in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals in seven games and could be in the market for a roster upgrade this summer. The team already made a big move this summer, trading Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies and acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Damian Lillard & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Lillard doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract like Bradley Beal does, so the Blazers can trade him anywhere. Portland wants to get the best return possible for Lillard, who is one of the top players in the NBA.
It’s going to be fascinating to see where Lillard is playing next season. Most people around the NBA believe the superstar point guard will end up with the Heat since teams could be scared to trade for him given how strongly he wants to play for Miami.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Damian Lillard & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists last season in 58 games. He was named one of the top 75 players of all time in 2022.
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