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).

Lillard, who could miss all of next season after rupturing his Achilles’ tendon during the Bucks’ first-round playoff loss to Indiana, will soon become an intriguing and likely affordable free agent.

The latest twist happened on Tuesday when the Milwaukee Bucks waived and stretched the contract of Damian Lillard (who is out indefinitely with an Achilles tear) to make room to sign Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner.