The Boston Celtics are signing free agent guard Dalano Banton to a two-year contract. It is being reported the second year is a team option. Although Banton helps fill out the roster and adds depth to the Celtics’ backcourt, they have reportedly also reached out to the Portland Trail Blazers about a possible trade for Damian Lillard. This comes just two days after Lillard requested a trade away from the team.
Celtics Sign Dalano Banton, Exploring a Trade for Damian Lillard
The Celtics Sign Dalano Banton
Dalano Banton was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft. Banton stayed with the organization until signing with the Celtics. During his time with the organization, Banton split time between the Raptors and their G League affiliate, the Raptors 905. In two seasons, Banton only started three games for the Raptors. One of those games was a 115-111 win over the Detroit Pistons in November 2022. In this game, Banton scored a career-high 27 points on 56.3% shooting. Banton also tallied four rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks in just 25 minutes.
Although originally from Canada, Banton is no stranger to Massachusetts and New England. The newest Celtic briefly went to high school in Massachusetts– Redemption Christian Academy in Northfield, Massachusetts and MacDuffie School in Granby, Massachusetts.
At 6’9, Banton has a lot of potential as a defensive specialist. Banton averages a defensive rating of 111.1 over his two seasons in the NBA. Especially with the Celtics recently trading former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, the Celtics will likely make it a point to roster as many defensive-minded players as they can. It is expected Banton will be playing behind Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon, and Payton Pritchard, but there is potential for the 23-year-old to have a steady role with the team next season.
Could Damian Lillard Be on His Way to the Celtics?
Even after signing Banton, the Celtics could be in the market for another guard–Damian Lillard. Lillard recently requested a trade from Portland, the place he’s called home since 2012. Even though early reports suggest that Lillard is looking to become a member of the Miami Heat by next season, the Trail Blazers will simply do what is best for them.
It is also being reported by Marc J. Spears that Celtics star Jayson Tatum is pushing for Lillard to make his way to Boston.
As it stands, it is tough to imagine a trade where the Celtics can outbid other teams to land Lillard without having to give up Jaylen Brown, who is due for a supermax contract. Still, for the Celtics going as far as reaching out to inquire about the 7-time All-Star is something worth noting. Pair this with Tatum reportedly pushing for this move and this idea could become a reality.
Lillard’s trade request is still fresh and it can be assumed that Portland will hold off on making a move until they feel like they have a trade worth making for their franchise player. In this case, chances are it won’t be determined who Lillard will play for next for quite some time.
