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The reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics are set to close out the first round of the NBA draft on Wednesday with the 30th pick, but they are reportedly looking to flip the pick for more assets.
According to Brian Robb of Mass Live, Boston “has been shopping that selection in hopes of picking up additional draft compensation.”
After winning their 18th NBA championship in franchise history, the Celtics are unlikely to make any major changes this offseason. Still, Robb explained that the team is looking to restock draft resources following last year’s trades.
“Boston’s front office is attempting to thread the needle between infusing some young talent into the franchise and adding more draft capital to the cupboard to add ammo for future moves,” Robb stated. “A closer look at their motives that could come into play if a deal gets done.”
The Celtics have control of the rest of their first-round draft picks before 2029, but Robb noted that the team owns “just three second-round picks in total over the next couple of seasons.” Boston needs to replenish those types of picks so it can have future trade assets, as its status as a second-apron team prevents it from including cash in any deal with another team.
By trading out of the No. 30 pick and into the second round, the Celtics would also be giving themselves some much-needed cap relief with savings of up to $4.6-5.6 million, per Robb. That extra money could allow Boston to sign veteran free agents or include it in extensions for some of its key depth players like Derrick White or Sam Hauser.
If a coveted player is still available at the end of the first round of Wednesday’s draft, it wouldn’t be a surprise if a team called the Celtics to negotiate a deal for the No. 30 selection.