The race for Damian Lillard has essentially become the 2022 NBA Finals.
Three frontrunners have emerged in the sweepstakes to sign the nine-time NBA All-Star Lillard, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported on Tuesday. They are the Boston Celtics, the Golden State Warriors, and the Miami Heat.
Siegel notes that the Heat have long been linked to Lillard and adds that the Celtics and the Warriors are “near the top of the list” for the 34-year-old guard as well. However, Siegel also says that Lillard, who is nursing an Achilles tear, is in no rush to decide on his future. You can read Siegel’s full report on the situation here.
Of those three teams, the Celtics appear to be the favorites. They have constantly been linked to Lillard in recent days due to Lillard’s close relationship with Jayson Tatum, Boston’s hole at guard after trading away Jrue Holiday, and the likelihood of the Celtics punting on next season with Tatum dealing with an Achilles tear of his own.
But it is hard to discount the Heat, especially since they were the only team that Lillard wanted to go to when he asked out of Portland in 2023 (though Portland did not acquiese and sent Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks instead). Still, Miami just swung a big trade for a 20-ppg scorer at the guard position, so they may be a less logical spot for Lillard at this point.
As for the Warriors, the links are obvious since Lillard is a Bay Area native and is said to have close rapports with Golden State stars Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. But Lillard plays at Curry’s position, and the Warriors might not be willing to wait out for him to rehab since their window to win is right now. Curry, Green, and Butler are only under contract through 2027, and at least one of those guys has hinted at retirement upon the end of his contract.
What we do know though is that Lillard is an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his NBA career and now has his pick of the litter as to where he wants to sign. The 13-year veteran Lillard is also still looking for his first career championship, so title contention will likely factor into what Lillard ultimately decides as well.
