Nevertheless, Boston is expected to continue wheeling and dealing throughout the summer. Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang, two players the Celtics acquired via trades this summer, could be re-routed before the start of the season.

Given Lillard's deal with the Trail Blazers, it's easy to see why the Celtics struggled to place a competitive offer. Boston, after all, is currently trying to duck under the second luxury tax apron.

In a recent press conference, Celtics general manager Brad Stevens spoke about Anfernee Simons, who they acquired in the Holiday trade. In doing so, Stevens made it seem like Simons would be a big part of the team, even though he had already been named as a potential trade candidate.

He knows about what it takes to win multiple titles in close proximity as one of the only players to have won multiple titles with 3 different teams.

The Los Angeles Lakers and guard Bronny James took on the Boston Celtics on Thursday night in their fourth game in Las Vegas NBA Summer League. The former USC T

Lillard spent the first 11 seasons of his NBA career with the Trail Blazers before requesting a trade in 2023. The Trail Blazers ultimately sent the Oakland native to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he spent the last two years of his career. Milwaukee waived him after he suffered an Achilles injury to sign Myles Turner.

The Boston Celtics were among the top contenders for Damian Lillard. Discover the latest news on the Celtics and Lillard's future.

If the Celtics do trade Simons to the Grizzlies, they might be looking for a guard who can come off the bench. They need someone who can eat backup point guard minutes with Payton Pritchard moving up to the starting lineup.