Keep trading down from No. 3
The first (and most unlikely) option for the Celtics is continue moving down the draft. It doesn’t seem like a real option for Ainge and co., but it is technically a route they could take. However, I wouldn’t put too much stock in this happening on draft night.
On the surface, trading down and stockpiling picks sounds like a great idea. That is, unless you’re the Celtics, who already have more picks than they probably know what to do with, especially after already trading down once.
Not only do they own four in 2017 (Nos. 3, 37, 53, 56), but they also have another seven first-round picks between the 2018 and 2019 drafts. Stockpiling picks simply shouldn’t be on Boston’s mind right now.
The only way I could see Boston trading down again is if they only moved down a few more picks while adding a quality role player. With a number of reserves headed for free agency this offseason, adding depth while still getting a potential star wouldn’t be the worst idea.
In the end, though, I just can’t see this team passing on an opportunity to add a top-three talent unless it means adding a potential star. There are too many options near the top of the draft for the Celtics to move down just for a role player or even more picks.