What if the Celtics were in the market for another core piece?

As the Celtics continue to go through a slow start to the offseason, a wild card possibility looms.

What if — second apron be damned — they are still on the hunt for another core piece? The idea might seem crazy because of the long-term salary cap implications of such a move, but the team still controls most of its first-round picks moving forward (San Antonio could choose to swap with Boston in 2028) plus the Warriors’ 2024 first-round selection. That’s enough draft capital to put the Celtics in the mix for another blockbuster trade should Brad Stevens decide to put all of his chips on the table.

Does that sound like a long shot? Sure. The Celtics are already committed to a high-priced core that is only set to become more expensive over the next three seasons as possible supermax extensions for Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum kick in. The new collective bargaining agreement includes harsh punishments for teams that exceed the second apron. The Celtics would be headed for that level and beyond if they keep their current nucleus while adding another costly long-term piece. The impact of the CBA has already been evident early in the offseason. For better or worse, the new rules are more threatening than the old ones, at least when it comes to keeping great teams together or adding to them.

But what if the Celtics decide to toss caution into the Charles River? What if they decide now is the time to strike, while most of the league is afraid of putting a superteam together and the front office has a window to add another star as Tatum and Brown hit their primes? After falling short too many times deep in the playoffs, what if Stevens and the ownership group just go for it — really go for it?

Could the Celtics get involved in talks for Damian Lillard? Based on all of the reporting, including a great story by our own Sam Amick, Lillard has made it clear he wants to go to Miami. Still, the Blazers are under no obligation to send him where he wants. Joe Cronin’s statement on the situation, which said he intends to do “what’s best for the team,” suggests he won’t prioritize Lillard’s wish list above all else. Stars can often direct themselves where they want to go, but Cronin’s tone sounded like bad news for the Heat and an open invitation for other teams to load up better offers for Lillard. Even without putting Brown onto the table, the Celtics could offer a package built around Malcolm Brogdon and Robert Williams plus several picks and pick swaps. If that’s not enough, Boston could include Derrick White in the offer and try to recruit a third team to the trade since the Blazers already have two young guards to build around. That still might not be enough to win the sweepstakes, especially if Lillard is against joining Boston, as reporting from TNT’s Chris Haynes has suggested. But the Celtics could build a competitive offer.

That would go for other potential targets, too. The Raptors just lost Fred VanVleet to…