NBA Rumors: 5 best trade destinations for Damian Lillard to win championship

No. 2 Damian Lillard trade destination: Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics would have to center this trade on Jaylen Brown, who’s due for a big extension in the near future. Brown struggled mightily during Boston’s conference finals loss to Miami. While the Celtics would be wise to not overreact and mortgage their future — Brown remains a perennial All-Star with room to grow — it’s Damian freakin’ Lillard we’re talking about here.

The talent upgrade is sizable. Lillard is a borderline Tier 1 superstar at full strength. His pull-up shooting and playmaking would completely transform the offense next to Jayson Tatum. Replacing Brown’s errant decision-making and complete dearth of self-creation with Lillard’s dynamism would instantly make Boston the favorite in the East.

If the Celtics can center the package on Brown, that also means Boston can keep most of its depth pieces. Derrick White is the perfect backcourt running mate for Lillard — a big and rangy defender who can reliably hit threes. Kristaps Porzingis and Rob Williams profile as the most fearsome defensive frontcourt in the East. Al Horford and Malcolm Brogdon are well above-average depth pieces.

Boston hasn’t been mentioned as a potential suitor for Lillard and there’s no reporting on Lillard’s interest in the Celtics, but crazier things have happened. Boston has never shied away from big moves and Lillard absolutely increases their chances of competing for that elusive 17th banner.