Boston Celtics: 2 trades to get Cs a higher lottery pick

Swapping picks with the Knicks

While players are involved too, the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics will have their picks–six apart in the 2020 NBA Draft–serve as the impetus for a swap. The Cs would look to make their way inside the top ten via a five-piece deal with the Knicks.

Why the Boston Celtics do it

Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley broke down what the Cs would see value in regarding this deal:

"New York might find a willing trade partner in Boston, which needs to consolidate with more first-round picks in 2020 (three) than roster openings. This takes the Celtics into the top 10, plus gives them a physical presence in Taj Gibson, who might provide more resistance should they encounter Bam Adebayo (or Joel Embiid) in next year’s postseason."

Taj Gibson would be a nice veteran in a younger locker room, and the hope is that whatever talent they can find at #8 is worth the giving up two consecutive years of the #14 picks for.

Why the New York Knicks do it

The New York Knicks could use a reclamation project like Romeo Langford who can rehabilitate his image as a good backup. The #14 pick is not a far drop-off from the #8 and it certainly is worth taking on the extra pick in Langford.

Enes Kanter returning to Mecca is an added bonus. Perhaps he can wrestle in WWE after winning the 24/7 title at MSG while wearing a Celtics jersey last year.