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Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 08: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on March 08, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

With their Game 7 loss to the Miami Heat two weeks ago, the Celtics’ offseason officially began. With it comes the rampant rumors and speculation from the superstar level on down that come with the NBA roster-building period.

One name that has come up a lot in relation to the Celtics is Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard. Lillard has spent his entire 11-year career in Portland. However, as he enters his age-33 season, the franchise’s overall lack of success during his incredibly successful career (seven-time All-NBA, member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team) has led some to wonder if he would ask for a trade to try to get a shot at a ring while he’s still in his prime.

  • For the most part, Lillard has affirmed his desire to stay in and win with Portland. His tune changed a bit this offseason though, saying after the Blazers’ season finale that he’s not interested in playing for a rebuilding team and making a case for the team to trade the third overall pick in this year’s draft for proven veteran talent.

    Those comments make Lillard’s recent comments on Showtime’s The Last Stand Podcast all the more interesting. Lillard was asked about some of his most rumored trade destinations – New York, Miami, Boston, and Brooklyn – and which landing spot he’d prefer the most.

  • “Miami, obviously,” Lillard replied, citing his relationship with current Heat center Bam Adebayo. “Miami is the obvious one. Bam is my dog.”

    “Brooklyn is another obvious one,” Lillard added. “Mikel Bridges is my dog too.”

    “Both of them have capable rosters too,” he concluded.

  • In the same interview, Lillard did again state his desire to stay in Portland and win there rather than have to change teams. He still has two years left on his current contract, which will pay him $45.6 million this upcoming season, and $48.7 million in the final year of the deal the season after that.

    It’s also still very early in the NBA offseason, which has as many twists and turns as any league. The Finals aren’t even over yet – we’ve got a long way to go until things start picking up with the Draft and free agency.

  • Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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