Damian Lillard Signs Three-Year Deal With Boston Celtics: A New Era Begins
In a stunning development that will reshape the landscape of the NBA for years to come, **Damian Lillard**—the seven-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer—has **officially signed a three-year contract with the Boston Celtics**, league insider **Chris Haynes** reports. The deal, worth an estimated **\$48 million**, comes just months after Lillard suffered a devastating **Achilles injury** during the 2025 NBA Playoffs while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.
The signing marks a dramatic turn in Lillard’s already storied career and sets the stage for an emotional and high-stakes comeback with one of the league’s most iconic franchises.
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## A Legacy in Flux
Lillard, 35, is no stranger to dramatic shifts. After spending the first **11 seasons of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers**, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in September 2023 in a blockbuster deal that paired him with Giannis Antetokounmpo. The move was widely hailed as one that would produce championships—but it ended in heartbreak. Despite a dominant regular season, the Bucks were eliminated in the second round of the 2025 playoffs, with Lillard suffering a **ruptured left Achilles tendon** in Game 4 against the New York Knicks.
At the time, many assumed his career might be nearing its end.
But in classic Lillard fashion, he’s betting on himself—again.
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## Why Boston?
Lillard’s decision to sign with the Celtics surprised fans and insiders alike. While Boston has long been a contender—winning the 2024 NBA Championship and remaining dominant in 2025—few expected the Celtics to aggressively pursue a player who will miss at least **most, if not all, of the 2025–26 season**.
So why would Lillard choose Boston? And why would Boston choose him?
### 1. **Championship Pedigree**
The Celtics, led by **Jayson Tatum**, **Jaylen Brown**, and a deep supporting cast, have become the Eastern Conference’s gold standard. Adding Lillard—arguably one of the most clutch performers of the modern era—solidifies Boston’s status as *the* team to beat in 2026–27 and beyond.
### 2. **Cultural Fit**
Lillard’s approach to the game—grit, loyalty, leadership—aligns with the Celtics’ storied culture. In fact, Tatum had reportedly been in regular contact with Lillard for weeks, encouraging him to join forces in pursuit of banner No. 19.
> “Dame is one of the toughest competitors I’ve ever played against,” Tatum said in a June interview. “I’d go to battle with him any day.”
### 3. **Rehabilitation & Support**
Boston’s world-class medical staff, training facilities, and forward-thinking front office likely played a major role in Lillard’s decision. The Celtics have a track record of successfully managing players through injuries—most notably with Robert Williams III and Kristaps Porziņģis.
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## Contract Details
According to league sources, Lillard’s deal with the Celtics is a **three-year, \$48 million agreement**, structured as follows:
* **2025–26**: \$12 million (rehabilitation year)
* **2026–27**: \$18 million
* **2027–28**: \$18 million (player option)
The relatively low salary in Year 1 reflects the uncertainty surrounding his return, while the player option in Year 3 gives Lillard flexibility if he chooses to pursue free agency or retirement.
Additionally, the deal reportedly includes **incentives tied to games played, All-Star appearances, and playoff milestones**.
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## The Achilles Question
Of course, the elephant in the room is Lillard’s **Achilles injury**. Historically, Achilles tears have derailed even the most elite careers—see Kobe Bryant, DeMarcus Cousins, and Brandon Jennings.
But there’s reason to believe Lillard could be an exception.
* He’s known for his obsessive work ethic.
* Modern surgical techniques and rehab protocols have significantly improved.
* His game, predicated more on skill, shooting, and mental fortitude than explosive athleticism, may age better than others.
> “I know what people are saying,” Lillard posted on social media last week. “That I’m done. That I won’t be the same. I’ve heard it before. I’m not going out like that.”
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## Celtics’ Long-Term Vision
This isn’t a short-term gamble for Boston. It’s a strategic play aimed at long-term dominance.
### 1. **Tatum + Lillard Duo**
By 2026–27, Tatum will be 27 and in the heart of his prime. Adding a healthy Lillard—arguably the best clutch shooter of his generation—creates a dynamic offensive tandem that few teams can match.
### 2. **Guard Depth & Flexibility**
With Jrue Holiday aging and Derrick White a free agent in 2026, Lillard gives the Celtics insurance and veteran leadership at the point guard position. His return could coincide with a changing of the guard, both literally and figuratively.
### 3. **Leadership and Intangibles**
Few players command the respect and locker-room presence of Lillard. Known for his professionalism, leadership, and mentorship, he can be a bridge between generations in the Celtics locker room.
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## Fan Reactions
Reactions to the signing have been swift—and passionate.
### 🔥 Celtics Fans: Ecstatic
Most Boston fans are thrilled.
> “Even if we don’t see him until 2026, this is worth it,” wrote one Reddit user. “Imagine Game 7, Tatum and Dame trading buckets. Let’s go!”
### 🧊 Skeptics: Cautiously Optimistic
Others are more measured.
> “Achilles injuries are no joke. If he comes back even 80% of what he was, it’ll be a win. But that’s a big if.”
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## Lillard’s Career by the Numbers
* **Career Points**: 20,963
* **3-Pointers Made**: 2,805 (5th all-time)
* **All-Star Appearances**: 7
* **Career Averages**: 24.8 PPG, 6.5 APG, 37.3% from 3
* **Playoff Buzzer-Beaters**: 2 (most in NBA history)
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## What Comes Next?
While Lillard won’t suit up in green immediately, his impact on the franchise has already begun.
### Training Camp Presence
He’s expected to attend training camp as a mentor and vocal leader, helping integrate younger players and establish a new culture of accountability and championship hunger.
### Mentorship Role
Emerging guards like **Payton Pritchard** and **JD Davison** will benefit immensely from his presence—both on and off the court.
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## Final Thoughts
Damian Lillard’s decision to sign with the Boston Celtics represents a powerful intersection of ambition, resilience, and mutual respect between a player and a franchise. While the basketball world waits to see how he recovers from one of the most challenging injuries in sports, Lillard’s mindset is clear:
He’s not done.
He’s just getting started—again.
And when he steps onto the parquet floor at TD Garden in late 2026, wearing No. 0 in Celtic green, the echoes of Paul Pierce, Larry Bird, and Bill Russell will blend with the roar of a new generation ready to witness greatness.
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## Related Articles:
* 🏀 *“How Achilles Injuries Have Changed in the Modern NBA”*
* 🔥 *“Dame Time Meets Boston Time: What This Means for the East”*
* 💰 *“Cap Space Breakdown: How the Celtics Made Room for Lillard
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