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Brad Stevens’ collection of second-round picks may result in ‘larger deal’ for Boston Celtics

By Sam LaFrance

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 22: Head coach Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Brooklyn Nets in Game One of the First Round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center at Barclays Center on May 22, 2021 in New York City. 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 22: Head coach Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Brooklyn Nets in Game One of the First Round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center at Barclays Center on May 22, 2021 in New York City. 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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It has been the summer of draft picks for the Boston Celtics so far. President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens has been busy swinging deals and landing more draft capital.

But why? Who even cares about second-round picks, right?

Well, according to The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach, Boston’s front office may be up to something, as they watch the picks pile up.

“No, the Celtics do not have a plan to start a youth movement centered on draft picks,” Himmelsbach wrote. This capital will eventually serve as currency in a larger deal, with the Celtics well-positioned for a seismic strike, league sources said. The spree of recent activity has bred speculation that they could be staking out their big move right now, but a league source said that appears unlikely.”

So far, Stevens has traded away both Marcus Smart and Grant Williams in exchange for two first-round picks and three second-round picks — one of which is a pick swap, respectively.

On draft night, the former head coach traded back multiple times, accumulating even more second-rounders. According to NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg, the Celtics will have six first-round picks and seven second-round picks over the next five seasons.

Boston Celtics will not use their stockpile of picks to trade for Damian Lillard

Another hot topic surrounding the Celtics this summer has been the possibility of trading for Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard.

Himmelsbach addressed that in his recent news dump as well, reporting that Boston has “no intention” of entering the race to land the seven-time All-Star.

“The Celtics have no intention of entering the Damian Lillard sweepstakes, according to league sources,” he wrote. “Things can change suddenly, of course. Maybe Boston gets pulled in as a third team in a deal. But the Celtics are not pursuing the Trail Blazers star, whose trade request has become the story of the NBA offseason.”

Avoiding the Lillard drama is probably a smart idea from the Celtics. They’ve got a strong core already, and have already shaken things up after trading for Kristaps Porzingis. It doesn’t make a ton of sense to continue to gut the roster in hopes of landing the aging star.

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