Of course, there are important caveats in the potential plans for both the Celtics and Lillard. From the player’s perspective, Lillard is — like Celtics star Jayson Tatum — currently rehabbing a ruptured Achilles tendon (sustained during a first-round playoff series in April).

The sure-fire Hall of Famer is a free agent for the first time in his career, and the Celtics have a midlevel exception slot that could fit him nicely.

When the Celtics sold to new ownership, it was apparent that the current core would be changed. It's an unfortunate reality and Boston was facing major penalties due to the second apron of the luxury tax.