Celtics' Jayson Tatum Reportedly Actively Recruiting Damian Lillard After Bucks Exit

Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum is attempting to recruit Damian Lillard in free agency, according to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe.

"According to NBA sources, Tatum has been active in recruiting Lillard to Boston, and the market for the point guard is limited because his injury will prevent him from likely playing most of next season," Washburn reported Saturday.

Lillard was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks on July 1 after he suffered a torn Achilles in Game 4 of the team's first-round playoff defeat at the hands of the Indiana Pacers.

Tatum also suffered a torn Achilles in Game 4 of Boston's second-round playoff loss to the New York Knicks, undergoing surgery on May 13.

Lillard could reportedly return during the 2025-26 season, although Tatum's recovery timeline is unclear.

Still, the duo could eventually team up in Boston.

Eric Nehm, Sam Amick and Joe Vardon of The Athletic reported that the Celtics were among the teams with interest in signing Lillard "sooner rather than later" on July 2.

Boston's roster will look vastly different at the start of next season, with Tatum out as well as Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers and Atlanta Hawks, respectively.

While the Celtics may have trouble remaining a threat in the Eastern Conference due to Tatum's absence, his eventual pairing with Lillard is enticing if the veteran point guard is able to recover completely.

Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game on 44.8/37.6/92.1 shooting splits with Milwaukee last season.

The Celtics will have some competition for the 34-year-old's services, as the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat have also been linked to him following his Bucks release.

Tatum is reportedly attempting to sway Lillard's free-agent decision, though.