If the Celtics really want Damian Lillard, they might have to play the waiting game for a bit.
The nine-time All-Star guard isn’t in a rush to make a free-agent decision as he rehabs his Achilles this offseason, longtime NBA insider Chris Haynes reported. However, Lillard sign with a team this summer if it’s “under the right terms and conditions,” Haynes added.
Lillard’s willingness to be patient in making a decision could help the Celtics in their pursuit of him. As of Saturday, Boston’s projected salary for the 2025-26 season is right around the second luxury tax apron treshold after it agreed to deals with Luka Garza and Josh Minnoit this week.