Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Why the Boston Celtics Will Trade the #3 Pick

By Talar Kahwajian

Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Boston Celtics hold the #3 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, and it’s highly likely they trade it.

With a team that’s sure to be a huge player in free-agency, and one that is only a player or two away from being at the top of the east, trading the #3 pick for a star makes much more sense.

Some of the players that have been tossed around?  Jimmy Butler, Paul George, DeMarcus Cousins.  It’s highly unlikely George and Cousins get moved, but the possibility is still there, and will be until Boston pulls the trigger on a major deal.

Drafting Dragan Bender and keeping him would not be something that would benefit Boston.  At the age of 18, Bender is a project and for a team who’s looking to get better fast, it doesn’t fit.  Isaiah Thomas needs a scoring buddy, whether it be a big man or a wing player.  The Boston Celtics have all the cap room and draft picks anyone could need in order to help him out.

If the C’s do decide to go ahead and draft, it’ll most likely be for another team.  There’s also the possibility of drafting a guy like Buddy Hield.  #3 might be a little high, but the senior out of

March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) moves to the basket against Texas A&M Aggies during the first half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) moves to the basket against Texas A&M Aggies during the first half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

Oklahoma is a proven scorer, and it’s exactly what this team needs.  Don’t look over guard Jamal Murray out of Kentucky either, as he hit 79/100 3’s during his workout for Boston on Wednesday.

The possibility of Kevin Durant signing with the Boston Celtics?  Who knows.  But it’s been reported KD’s camp was in contact with Boston and gave them a list of who he would like to play with.  If this holds true, a trade for another superstar might be inevitable.  A big three of Isaiah Thomas-Jimmy Butler-Kevin Durant is the ultimate Celtics fans dream, and would make the organization a powerhouse for years to come.

Realistically though, Danny Ainge is probably looking to trade this pick, because it holds the most value out of all the 8 picks the C’s have in this draft.  If Boston wants to improve for next season, swapping #3 is how it starts.

Next: Red Sox Lose Swihart and Hanigan

Keep it locked here at Chowder and Champions for continued updates on the Boston sports scene.

Home/Boston Celtics