Boston Celtics: Pros and cons of a Damian Lillard deal

PORTLAND, OREGON - JUNE 03: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after his three point basket in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets during Round 1, Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center on June 03, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JUNE 03: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after his three point basket in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets during Round 1, Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center on June 03, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Pros of Boston Celtics-Damian Lillard trade

The pros of this deal seem obvious to anyone who has watched Damian Lillard play the past couple of years. He is an incredible offensive player who is a clear-cut superstar. Only Steph Curry able to rival his shooting ability and shooting range.

Damian Lillard is one of those rare superstars that would fit in on nearly every NBA team, but the fit with our Cs would be truly special.

He would not only be an obvious and immediate upgrade at point guard for the Boston Celtics, but he would fit in great with current Celtics franchise pillar Jayson Tatum. Lillard’s playmaking and long shooting range would open up more driving lanes for Tatum and make him nearly impossible to double team when Lillard is on the floor.

Even better, Lillard is a realistic option for the Celtics. Not only would the C’s have a lot to offer Lillard as a new team, but also a lot to offer the Blazers as a trade partner. The prospect of teaming up Lillard with Tatum is an exciting one for sure, but there are some cons to discuss.

Cons of Boston Celtics-Damian Lillard trade

The con’s of this deal may not seem quite so obvious, but there two con’s to discuss. The first con is an obvious one.  Like with all blockbusters, the cost of a Lillard trade would be massive. Not only would the C’s have to give up draft assets and young players, but also an established star and fan favorite in Jaylen Brown.

Brown has developed into a great two-way player for the Boston Celtics.  He is a very good scorer with the ability to shoot the ball and get to the rim. When you couple that with his defensive ability and athleticism it is easy to see why Brown is an NBA All-Star.

Giving up a young homegrown All-Star like Brown would sting to say the very least.  Not only would the cost very high for our C’s, but the risks would be great too. First of all Lillard’s contract is massive.

Lillard is about to enter a four-year super max $176 million extension that is going to pay upwards of 50 million dollars per year on the back end of the deal. When you consider the situation the Boston Celtics find themselves in with their current point guard it’s easy to see why the Celtics would be hesitant to commit long-term to a point guard that will turn 31 next season.