Paul George
Mar 22, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) returns up court against the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden. Celtics defeated the Pacers 109-100. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Which four potential blockbuster trades could the Boston Celtics look to make during the 2017 NBA Draft?
Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics are still not sure what they will do with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. After coming up short to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics are a piece or two away from competing for yet another championship. That could lead them to trading the pick for a proven star.
If the Celtics do end up keeping the pick, it is widely expected that they will take Washington guard Markelle Fultz. He has been viewed as the best player in the draft class throughout the majority of the draft process and has made it clear that he wants to be selected No. 1.
Fultz would certainly be a solid pickup, but there are concerns that he would not be able to play long-term alongside Isaiah Thomas in the Celtics' backcourt. Thomas has become one of the NBA's best guards and is the face of the franchise at this point in time.
Should the Celtics choose to trade the pick, there will be plenty of teams interested in trading for it. Boston could demand a proven star in return and hope to take the next step to competing with LeBron James for the Eastern Conference title. Brad Stevens likely wouldn't mind having another legitimate star to play with Thomas and the supporting cast.
All of that being said, which four potential blockbuster trades could the Boston Celtics consider making come draft-day?
Jan 4, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Acquire Paul George from the Indiana Pacers
First and foremost, Ainge could look to acquire Paul George from the Indiana Pacers. He is rumored to be on the trade market for the right price and Pacers general manager Kevin Pritchard would have a hard time passing up on the No. 1 overall pick, especially with George's future in Indiana in doubt.
Last season with the Pacers, George averaged a career-high 23.7 points per game. He also chipped in with 6.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. George's contract will expire following the 2017-18 season, which is why the Pacers are considering trading their star.
Boston might be nervous about their chances to re-sign the former Fresno State star. George has an interest in returning home to Los Angeles to play for a Lakers franchise that he grew up loving. Magic Johnson has also hinted that he would like to sign George next offseason.
Despite the fear that George might not re-sign, Boston could look to acquire the Pacers star. He would fit perfectly into the Celtics' lineup and would be the go-to guy while taking pressure off of Isaiah Thomas.
Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) reacts during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Acquire Jimmy Butler from the Chicago Bulls
Not only have the Celtics been linked to Paul George, they have also been heavily rumored to be interested in Chicago Bulls' star Jimmy Butler. Butler is on a much more solidified contract, with at least two more seasons left on his deal. That could make the Celtics more interested in Butler than George.
Butler had yet another huge season for the Bulls last year, averaging 23.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. He is just 27 years old, and would make the Celtics a much tougher team to beat long-term. Not only is Butler an offensive threat, he is also viewed as one of the only defenders in the league that can defend LeBron James.
Chicago may not choose to trade Butler this offseason, but they have considered the option in the past.
Boston needs to bring in a difference-maker this offseason. Thomas will need a new contract next offseason and the window could close very quickly. Acquiring a piece like Butler would be a move that signals that they are committed to winning another championship.
May 19, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game two of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Trade Isaiah Thomas
Did you guess that this would be one of the potential blockbuster trades that the Celtics could consider making on draft night? Well, if you did, give yourself a pat on the back.
Trading Isaiah Thomas isn't that far-fetched of an idea. Ainge could decide to draft Markelle Fultz with the No. 1 overall pick and trade his current star point guard. Thomas will be wanting a massive contract extension next offseason and the Celtics might not want to pay him that kind of money with the point guard of their future on the roster.
Thomas would get the Celtics a legitimate star back in return at a position of need to take pressure off of Fultz. Many teams would love to have the 28.9 points and 5.9 assists per game that Thomas averaged on their roster.
Boston likely won't end up trading Thomas, but it certainly wouldn't be out of the question.
Dec 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the 76ers 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Trade No. 1 for Jahlil Okafor, No. 3
Interested in hearing the most likely blockbuster trade for the Boston Celtics? Simply committing to Isaiah Thomas long-term by trading out of the No. 1 overall pick with the Philadelphia 76ers to acquire talented, young big man Jahlil Okafor and the No. 3 overall pick in the draft.
Boston would then be able to snag a player like Josh Jackson or Jayson Tatum with the No. 3 pick. Okafor may have had injury issues early in his career thus far, but his talent is through the roof.
Okafor averaged 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game during his rookie season with the 76ers. Last season, he played in just 50 games and was not given a consistent role even in those games. Perhaps a change of scenery could unlock the star potential that many saw in Okafor coming into the NBA.
If the Celtics don't think a backcourt of Fultz and Thomas would work, committing to the proven star seems like the right decision. Adding a talent like Jackson along with Okafor could be a big step towards getting past the Cavaliers in the East.
Do you think the Boston Celtics should make one of these four blockbuster trades on draft night? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!
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