ESPN reported earlier today that the Boston Celtics according to league sources have been unsuccessful in trading their third pick for a proven veteran. This goes along with earlier rumors that the Celtics have been shopping the third pick heavily.
The players that the Celtics were trying to get were not just any veteran player: Utah Jazz’ Gordon Hayward, Chicago Bulls’ Jimmy Butler, and Milwaukee Bucks’ Jabari Parker and Khris Middleton. All young studs with either All-Star experience or at least the potential to get there. So it shouldn't be a surprise that the Celtics were turned down.
The Bulls belong to Jimmy Butler
The news that Derrick Rose is leaving Chicago in a trade to the New York Knicks only emphasizes the fact, that the Bulls is more or less Butler’s team now. The other three players might not have the same position, but they are considered cornerstones in their franchises and are in all practicality untouchable.
Getting either of the four players would’ve been a great kick-off to a summer that promises to have the Celtics involved in a lot of trade talks, even more rumors, and possibly even a trade or two.
The Celtics have too many assets
It all starts with the three 1st round picks and the five 2nd round picks that the Celtics have in Thursday night’s draft. These eight picks are way too many to eject into a roster that was well-balanced and well-oiled enough for a 48-34 record. So the Celtics need to find a way to keep the assets fluid if they can’t reach a substantial trade or two. That may lead to a handful of draft-and-stash picks in the second round. An interesting but probably not fully satisfactory outcome from the Celtics point-of-view.
The Celtics stay mum on their preferences
With all the talks about trading the third pick, the Celtics haven’t given up any clues to who they’ll pick if they keep it. We ”know” that Ben Simmons will be drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, which has given traction to the rumors that they are trying to trade Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel for a high pick in order to draft Kris Dunn.
This could be another possibility for the Celtics to cash in. The problem with Okafor is that he may not fit into the Celtics style of play, and he certainly doesn’t fill the need of a defensive anchor. Noel, on the other hand, might be too limited on offense.
Everyone will be much wiser on the Celtics plan tomorrow night when commissioner Adam Silver announces the third pick.