Hardwood Houdini
Fansided

Boston Celtics: Fred VanVleet and other post-lottery trade ideas

By Jack Simone

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on February 02, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on February 02, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Boston Celtics (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics move up to draft point guard of the future

This deal may seem like an overpay on the surface, but it makes all the sense in the world for both parties. The Warriors would get back to competing for a championship, while the Boston Celtics could solidify their starting point guard of the future.

The Warriors have two lottery picks — 7th and 14th. Depending on how much they value Marcus Smart, the Cs could ask for either one of them.

Andrew Wiggins played well for Golden State last season, but with Klay Thompson coming back, Smart could be the better fit. A lineup of Stephen Curry, Smart, Thompson, Draymond Green, and Tristan Thompson is a championship contender.

In addition, the Warriors would still have their other lottery pick to add to a very young bench. The rotation would include Romeo Langford, James Wiseman, and their 2021 draft pick.

For the Celtics, this means they would not have to pay Smart at the end of next season. Wiggins is on the books through 2022-23, and then a more team-friendly deal could be worked out.

With the 7th or 14th pick, Boston would be able to select their next franchise point guard. Depending on where they would be selecting, some extremely talented players would be available.

If they managed to snag the 7th pick, Davion Mitchell could be the ideal candidate. If they selected at 14, however, guys such as Josh Giddey, Jared Butler, and Sharife Cooper would be available.

Any one of those four players could step in and play really well for the Cs. Giddey, in particular, has shown that he is NBA-ready.

This move would leave Boston with a starting lineup of a rookie point guard, Jaylen Brown, Wiggins, Jayson Tatum, and Robert Williams.

Evan Fournier would lead a solid bench unit, and the Cs would be set for the future.

Home/Celtics News