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Boston Celtics: The perfect scenario if the No. 1 pick is traded

By Logan Jakubajtys

Mar 18, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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If the Boston Celtics choose to move the No.1 pick in the NBA Draft, Danny Ainge better have a solid plan without Markelle Fultz.

For the longest time, it’s felt like Markelle Fultz was going to be without a doubt the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft for the Boston Celtics. The rumors of a trade though began swirling yesterday, and that may not be the case.

First, reports began to surface that the Celtics may consider taking Josh Jackson over Fultz. One anonymous GM said he believes that Boston will select Jackson with the top pick.

Then yesterday rumors grew even louder that Boston is talking with the 76ers about moving down in the draft. No deal has been reached yet, but ESPN’s Zach Lowe believes it will absolutely get done. The Celtics and Sixers will swap picks No. 1 and No. 3, and Boston will likely gain a future first rounder as well. So, let’s say this deal goes down. What do the Celtics do with the No. 3 pick and what are their next steps after the draft to become a contender in the East?

The Trade

In this scenario, Boston will send the No. 1 overall pick to the Sixers in exchange for the No. 3 pick this year and a 2018 First Round pick. They’d prefer to pick up the Lakers first rounder that Philly has hold of.

Boston would be adding to their already loaded stockpile of draft picks, while Philly would be ok with the move since they have a stockpile of their own. Here’s a look at the picks Boston already has hold of.

The Post-Draft Trade

In a player-less trade, the Celtics would keep the players they would need in order to create an enticing trade package for a superstar player. That player could be Jimmy Butler.

Boston would have to let go of a few guys that fans love, but it could all be worth it in the end. Jae Crowder, Avery Bradley, and Marcus Smart would be the most likely candidates to be involved in a Jimmy Butler deal.

Here’s a package that I believe gets Butler into a Celtics uniform.

The Free Agents

A trade down to No. 3 could allow the Celtics to get their favorite player, Josh Jackson, and save money. That money will be needed for free agency. While nothing is guaranteed in free agency (we hear you Dallas Mavericks fans) the Celtics must believe they have a shot to land a superstar for this deal to go down. Gordon Hayward is a favorite to sign in Boston, but he may also choose to stay with the Jazz. Blake Griffin has also been linked to the Celtics so far this offseason. Beyond those two, Danillo Gallinari and Serge Ibaka could be guys to look out for.

J.J. Redick could also be a nice fit in Boston as a role player. He shot 43% from 3-point range last season and is a career 41% shooter from beyond the arc.

The issue here becomes the salary cap. Bench players will have to be willing to take a less lucrative deal so that the Celtics can focus on signing a player like Gordon Hayward.

My 2017-18 Boston Celtics Roster

Once it is all said and done this summer, I believe the Celtics will have a stronger team. Favorites like Jae Crowder and Marcus Smart will be gone, but the team will be better overall. If this perfect scenario plays out, here’s where I see the Celtics heading into the 2017 NBA season.

More from Boston Celtics

The Starting 5

  • PG Isaiah Thomas
  • SG Avery Bradley
  • SF Jimmy Butler
  • PF Gordon Hayward
  • C Al Horford

The Bench

  • SF Jaylen Brown
  • SG Gerald Green
  • SF Josh Jackson
  • PF Jordan Mickey
  • SG J.J. Redick
  • PG Terry Rozier
  • C Ante Zizic

The Celtics would play with a smaller lineup with Horford remaining at Center while Butler and Hayward fill out the forward spots. J.J. Redick and Ante Zizic become new faces on the bench, with each contributing right off the bat.

Next: All aboard the Zizic hype train

Do you think this is a scenario that could play out for Boston if they choose to move on from the No.1 pick in the NBA Draft? Do you think free agent J.J. Redick would take less money than he can earn with another team to play for a championship in Boston? Let us know your thoughts on Twitter @CandCFansided!

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