The Boston Celtics have endured a talent drain to begin the 2025 offseason. Brad Stevens has traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. Luke Kornet left the franchise to join the San Antonio Spurs in free agency. Al Horford is also expected to sign elsewhere.
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As such, Stevens could be open to adding some new veteran talent. Of course, any potential deal would have to make sense for Boston’s current cap situation. One player who could emerge as a free agency target is Damian Lillard.
The All-Star guard saw his contract get waived and stretched by the Milwaukee Bucks. He will now become an unrestricted free agent. However, Lillard is currently dealing with an Achilles tendon tear, so he could potentially miss the entire 2025-26 season, much like Jayson Tatum.
Still, The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Eric Nehm and Joe Vardon joined forces to report that Boston is among a group of teams to show interest in acquiring Lillard.
“League sources say Lillard received calls from several contending teams quickly after the news of his Bucks’ ending broke,” The trio reported. “League sources say the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are known to be among the many teams that would have interest in doing a deal sooner rather than later.”
The biggest question facing Boston is whether the front office can produce a competitive contract offer. Lillard will undoubtedly value the opportunity to contend for a championship, but finances are likely to be a factor.
Celtics Could Lose Al Horford
According to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Golden State Warriors are eyeing to lure Horford away from Boston.
“League sources say veteran center Al Horford will be a top target for Golden State,” Stein and Fischer wrote on “The Stein Line” Substack newsletter a few hours before NBA Free Agency opens on June 30.
Horford is an unrestricted free agent. He is in the final year or two of his career. Therefore, it would make sense for him to join a team with a shot of contending for a championship. Adding Lillard to Boston’s roster wouldn’t solve the problems they face this season. Neither he nor Tatum can be expected to be available or at full strength in the 2026 playoffs.
Celtics Add Josh Minott
Brad Stevens has already begun searching out low-cost, high-upside talent. He is retooling Boston’s roster with younger players who could outplay their current contracts and become positive trade assets. Josh Minott fits that bill. He’s struggled for genuine playing time since entering the NBA. However, his size and length make him an intriguing two-way prospect on the wings.
Minott will likely earn a decent-sized role under Mazzulla next season. Boston’s lack of depth could play to his advantage. However, it will be up to him to impress. And if he does enjoy some strong performances, we shouldn’t be shocked if Stevens leverages him ahead of the trade deadline.
After all, Boston isn’t a rebuilding roster. The aim is to re-tool this year and next summer, and then get right back to competing for championships.
