The 2017 NBA Draft is tonight and the Boston Celtics once again have more options than any other team in the NBA. With a plethora of draft picks, young valuable talent and cap room, the Celtics are poised to make a blockbuster move.
Yet Celtics fans have seen this too many times on draft day or trade deadlines to except something big to happen. Let’s talk about what could happen, just for fun.
The Boston Celtics traded the No. 1 overall pick for the 2017 draft to the Philadelphia 76ers to move back to the No. 3 spot and a future first round pick (which Is extremely valuable being from the 76ers).
Danny Ainge has said that they moved back in the draft because the player they were eyeing will probably be there at number three. If this is the case then the trade is a no-brainer for the Celtics. The Celtics have a lot of choices leading up to the draft but don’t expect a big draft night trade, it’s more likely to see a trade happen after the draft. But let’s begin.
Courtesy of ESPN.com
It’s clear the Chicago Bulls have been shopping Jimmy Butler since the trade deadline of last season. It seems like his price was too high for Danny during the season but now the price for Butler is dropping. It was reported by CBS Sports that the Celtics declined an offer from the Bulls for the No. 3 pick in the draft.
If this report is accurate, it tells me that the Celtics feel strongly that they can obtain a dominate small forward in the draft, rather than taking on Butler with no guarantee he will resign with the team. Don’t count out a last minute deal for Butler out entirely yet though, as there’s still a small chance the Celtics would consider sending other picks or a package of players to land the dynamic scorer.
Courtesy of SI.com
This is by far be the most desirable trade for the Celtics. Getting a guaranteed difference-maker right now with strengths in areas the Celtics have problems in like rebounding and low post scoring would be a dream scenario for any general manager.
The rumors of the New York Knicks willingness to trade Kristaps Porzingis for a high pick in this year’s draft is actually unbelievable. Considering how much he is beloved by the New York fanbase, these rumors come as a shock to the entire NBA community. Unless Phil Jackson knows something we don’t, it would be a big mistake to not go after Porzingis.
The safest and more practical option would be for the Celtics to take the No. 3 pick in the draft which would be a toss-up between Kansas’ Josh Jackson or Duke’s Jayson Tatum. Another option would be to explore trading down again to gather more assets and try to get Florida State’s Jonathan Issac.
The fact is that the Celtics are looking for a forward in this draft assuming they use the pick and in this draft there is plenty of options at that position.
No matter what the Celtics do, they are still the reigning No. 1 seed in the East and have a fun and competitive team. Using these picks might not be the most flashy moves the Celtics could make, but setting up for years of success never hurts either.
There are also so many trades to pursue after the draft concludes and huge cap space points to an exciting summer of free agency.
Overall, the Celtics are in one of the best positions of all the franchises in the NBA. Celtics fans can be satisfied with the excitement that this current team already brings them but there is always room to improve.
You can ‘Like’ The Game Haus on Facebook and ‘Follow’ us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers along with Anthony!
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
