Reports: Jayson Tatum Recruits Damian Lillard To Celtics Amid Their Achilles Recovery

Celtics star Jayson Tatum has been making moves off the court despite being injured as he tries to convince Damian Lillard to join his side.

Reports: Jayson Tatum Recruits Damian Lillard To Celtics Amid Their Achilles Recovery

Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard (Image by FirstSportz)

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No one would have expected a player to have a significant role in signing another player for his respective franchise in this NBA trade market. It’s safe to say that the NBA fans get to witness this as well. Boston Celtics star man Jayson Tatum is playing a major role in ‘recruiting’ former Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard this offseason.

However, Tatum has a valid reason behind all this: they both suffered the same injury this past season, rupturing their Achilles. Notably, both stars are currently recovering from their injury. Even though he intends to spend the majority of his rehabilitation on the West Coast, having a recuperating teammate like Tatum may be quite helpful.

Nine-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA pick Lillard is now a free agent after the Milwaukee Bucks extended his contract and released him to make room for Myles Turner. Many other teams are also onto Lillard in this trade market, but with Tatum playing a major role in this deal, it is likely Lillard may opt for Boston this upcoming season.

Moreover, Tatum had a fantastic 2024–25 season, shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range while posting 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. When fit, Lillard would be a wonderful match for the Celtics’ lineup because he produced 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists before his injury.

The Celtics fans will be hoping Tatum and the management pull this deal off, especially after watching their star players leave this offseason. Signing Lillard would send a positive message in their bid to strengthen their team.

Celtics legend makes an important Jayson Tatum admission

The Boston Celtics are the most victorious franchise in NBA history. They have witnessed many names come and make a significant impact on the league and their franchise, such as Larry Bird, John Havlicek, and many more. In contrast to the stories of the past, many people don’t think Jayson Tatum is on their level.

However, another Celtics great, Cedric Maxwell, thinks otherwise. Tatum, in Maxwell’s opinion, is still in elite company. He says Tatum is superior to one of the greatest Celtics legends, with whom he played.

[Jayson Tatum’s] skillset puts him in a stratosphere by himself. Is Tatum better than John Havlicek? Yeah, with his skillset.

Cedric Maxwell said on The Cedric Maxwell Podcast

Celtics supporters who have seen Havlicek play will find Maxwell’s remarks difficult to take. Havlicek is regarded by the city of Boston as an untouchable figure. However, the former Celtic has his own opinion of Tatum and made it known on his podcast. In addition, Maxwell asks older admirers to avoid dwelling on the past, even though he knows that his statement may not go well with everyone.

Maxwell also claimed that the Celtics star is top-three in franchise history in terms of skill. Tatum, alongside his star teammate Jaylen Brown, has played one of the most important roles in winning the 18th NBA title for their franchise back in 2024.

Celtics CEO provides important update on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s injury

In the second round of the playoffs, Tatum tore his Achilles tendon, as was previously mentioned. Regarding his right knee, Brown had a successful knee operation to repair a partially torn meniscus. Interestingly, the Celtics’ CEO, Brad Stevens, made his thoughts known on the star duo’s recovery in a recent press conference.

All indications are they are both progressing at incredible rates, which is great. But we’re not going to put any pressure on Jayson to get back any time soon. We have no reason to believe that Jaylen won’t be all clear and ready to go fairly shortly.

Brad Stevens told the media
Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum (Credits: MARCA)

Tatum has been injured for about two months. Whether he will play at any point during the season is uncertain. By the time summer camp arrives, Brown should be completely recovered and prepared to go. All eyes will be on the Celtics’ gameplay this upcoming training camp, with new faces being added to the roster.

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