One Boston Celtics alum has come up recently after Damian Lillard re-joined the Portland Trail Blazers.
Celtics Fan Favorite Is Trending After Damian Lillard Move originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Boston Celtics were interested in Damian Lillard, but the nine-time All-Star decided on Thursday to return to where his NBA career started when he re-joined the Portland Trail Blazers.
Lillard made a name for himself in Portland, not just because of the many All-Star teams he made from 2012 to 2023. He also helped the Trail Blazers make the playoffs eight consecutive seasons from 2014 to 2021. That included a run to the Western Conference Finals in 2019, their first since 2000.
Lillard is also the first of several players to return to their former teams after playing elsewhere. That includes Bruce Brown re-joining the Denver Nuggets, Clint Capela re-joining the Houston Rockets, and Larry Nance Jr. re-joining the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Following Lillard's return to the Trail Blazers, one Boston Celtics alum, Marcus Smart, has come up as a possible target for them. The X account Celtics Lead floated the idea of Boston bringing Smart back two years after they traded him like the Trail Blazers did with Lillard.
"If Damian Lillard can re-sign with the Trail Blazers, there’s nothing stopping a Marcus Smart reunion," they wrote. "Make it happen, Brad," they wrote with a clover emoji.
If Damian Lillard can re-sign with the Trail Blazers, there’s nothing stopping a Marcus Smart reunion
— Celtics Lead (@CelticsLead) July 18, 2025
Make it happen Brad ☘️ pic.twitter.com/OjWAqoOW4x
However, it appears fans aren't so keen on a Smart reunion. Even though Smart also built a reputation for himself, Celtics fans reacted negatively to Boston potentially reuniting with Smart.
"No one wants him here. A farewell tour for a tank year? Why," one asked.
"Why though? Celtics need a big not a PG that is injury prone already. Much respect to the things he did back in the days for the Celtics, but it's just not a good decision to get him a pen and paper now," another stated.
"Why do people want the Celtics to go backwards? Marcus smart sucks at basketball," another declared.
"He can't play anymore, terrible idea," one fan decreed.
Since the Celtics traded him, Smart has played 54 games total over the last two seasons. He is also not a free agent, as he's under contract with the Washington Wizards for the 2025-26 season.
Related: Ex-Celtics Star Reacts to Damian Lillard’s Trail Blazers Move
Related: Damian Lillard to Warriors Not Ruled Out After Latest Report
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
