Boston Celtics: 5 options for pick No. 3 in 2017 NBA Draft
Acquire a superstar
At first glance, this weekend’s move by the Celtics just seems like an opportunity to stockpile picks. That’s great, and Ainge is obviously no stranger to accumulating future draft assets. However, there’s been word floating around the league that there’s more to the story here.
Here’s just one of many reports on the matter, via ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne:
General league reaction to Sixers-Celtics trade: There's a reason it's happening early. Both teams still maneuvering.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 18, 2017
Or this from Real GM’s Keith Smith:
NBA exec to me: "I'd bet just about anything Boston doesn't end up picking at 3. At least not for themselves. It will move again."
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 18, 2017
Now at this point, it’s mostly speculation. However, there have been a number of well-connected folks talking about the Celtics making a move for the Chicago Bulls’ Jimmy Butler. It would seem to make sense considering the pick hoarding and Boston’s need for a superstar. Other names such as Paul George could also come into play.
The real takeaway here, though, is that the Celtics may not be done wheeling and dealing. They’re accumulating assets at an alarming rate, and already had plenty to work with before this weekend’s agreement. Instead of hoping they can steal a star via free agency, maybe they figure a trade will get them over the postseason hump in 2017-18.
It’ll be interesting to see how the situation develops in the coming days. For now, though, all we can do is speculate on whether or not the pick will be made by/for someone else come draft night.