Will the Celtics Trade For Paul George on Draft Night?

Feb 15, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Channing Frye (8) during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Channing Frye (8) during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

After standing pat at the trade deadline, all eyes will be on the Celtics on draft night

February 23rd came and went as just another day for the Boston Celtics‘ front office after not being able to pull off a blockbuster trade. Some fans were relieved that the Celtics kept the current roster while others were disappointed; however, it’s not too late for Danny Ainge to make the right moves.

The Celtics had been linked to names such as; P.J. Tucker, Andrew Bogut, Andre Drummond, Jimmy Butler, and most popularly: Paul George.

Feb 16, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) brings the ball up court against the Washington Wizards at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Washington defeats Indiana 111-98. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) brings the ball up court against the Washington Wizards at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Washington defeats Indiana 111-98. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Celtic fans spent February 23rd refreshing every and any form of social media waiting for a trade announcement to no avail, as the front office didn’t see an option that would fully benefit the team. Many fans overlooked the fact that the Nets’ pick will develop even more value once its true place in the draft will be revealed during the lottery, giving the Celtics the advantage in any trade talks (assuming that the pick will be a top 2).

With the regular NBA season running the rest of its course and the playoffs not far over the horizon, the Celtics still have another chance to make a big move on draft night.

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Seeing that the Brooklyn Nets are currently favored to finish the season with the worst record in the league, there is a strong chance that the lottery will end in favor of the C’s since everyone knows that we own their first round pick for this year as well as next year.

There are several players that the Celtics could target on draft night, some easier to acquire than others.

One of the options for the C’s is George as mentioned before. With the entire Indiana Pacers front office aware that the 26-year-old small-forward isn’t too optimistic about staying in Indiana, it would be wise of Larry Bird to get some value out of George prior to his departure.

Whether or not the Celtics pursue George on draft night, the team would be wise to add a key role player to remove pressure from Isaiah Thomas, as well as giving the Celtics more of an edge.

Next: February Brooklyn Nets Sadness Index

It would be quite ironic if the Celtics managed to add another small forward that wanted to play for the Lakers. Could George become a Paul Pierce-esque player for this new and improved Celtics team?