The 2025 NBA offseason is already heating up, and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is reportedly making waves by actively recruiting Damian Lillard to join him in Beantown. With speculation swirling around Lillard’s future following another playoff-less season in Milwaukee, the possibility of pairing him with Tatum has Boston fans—and league insiders—buzzing.
According to multiple sources close to the situation, Tatum and Lillard have been in regular contact this offseason. The two stars, who have developed a strong relationship through USA Basketball and All-Star Weekend appearances, are said to be discussing the idea of teaming up in Boston to chase a championship.
“Tatum wants to take this team to the next level, and he believes Dame could be the missing piece,” said one anonymous league executive. “They respect each other’s games and have talked seriously about what playing together would look like.”
Why Boston?
The Celtics are fresh off a Finals appearance but fell short of the title once again, raising questions about the long-term viability of the current core. While Jaylen Brown remains a top-tier talent, some believe Boston could benefit from shaking up the backcourt and adding a veteran playmaker who thrives in high-pressure moments. Enter Damian Lillard.
At 35 years old, Lillard is still one of the NBA’s most dangerous scorers and clutch performers. He averaged 24.5 points and 6.8 assists for the Bucks last season but reportedly grew frustrated with the team’s direction following early playoff elimination and coaching turnover. While he’s still under contract, a trade request is not out of the question—and if it comes, Boston could be near the top of his preferred destinations list.
What Would It Take?
Landing Lillard would likely require significant assets. The Celtics would almost certainly have to part with Jaylen Brown or Derrick White, along with draft picks and possibly young players like Payton Pritchard or Sam Hauser. However, the appeal of adding a proven playoff performer to pair with Tatum might outweigh the cost.
From a cap perspective, the Celtics would need to get creative to absorb Lillard’s massive salary, which exceeds $50 million annually. But team president Brad Stevens has shown a willingness to maneuver aggressively in recent years to keep the championship window open.
Lillard’s Perspective
For his part, Lillard has yet to publicly comment on the rumors. He’s previously expressed loyalty to Milwaukee following his trade from Portland, but with the Bucks entering a mini-rebuild and his championship hopes dwindling, the idea of joining a title-ready roster like Boston’s could be tempting.
Tatum’s outreach adds fuel to the fire, signaling that the Celtics’ star isn’t just focused on his own growth—he’s trying to bring a banner back to Boston.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on whether “Dame Time” might soon echo through TD Garden.