Danny Ainge continues to build his war chest of NBA draft picks.
The Boston Celtics president of basketball operations reportedly agreed to trade the No. 1 overall selection in the 2017 NBA Draft to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for the No. 3 overall pick in the 2017 draft, and a 2018 first-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers with protections. If the C’s do not receive the Lakers pick, then they will receive a 2019 first-round pick from the Sacramento Kings.
All in all, this now leaves Ainge and the Celtics with seven first-round picks in the next three drafts. Boston owns the No. 3 pick in the 2017Â draft, three first-round picks in the 2018 draft — their own and via the Lakers and Brooklyn Nets — and three first-round picks in the 2019Â draft, including their own, and via the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers.
Of course, if the Lakers’ 2018 pick either is No. 1 overall or falls after No. 5 overall, the C’s reportedly will get the Kings’ 2019 first-round pick and only have two first-round picks in 2018.
This gives the Celtics a wealth of riches with which to acquire a superstar to pair with Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford.
While it appears the C’s are willing to pass on Washington star Markelle Fultz, Boston still can draft a talented prospect at No. 3 overall and have six first-round picks to entice either the Chicago Bulls or Indiana Pacers with.
Honestly, we wouldn’t be surprised to hear some Anthony Davis rumors come February.
Thumbnail photo via Russ Isabella/USA TODAY Sports Images
