In the midst of an expensive retooling, the Boston Celtics can't afford to part with first-round draft picks. Developable talent on rookie-scale contracts will be essential to Boston building a true contender, particularly with Jayson Tatum's post-injury form still yet to be known.
With this in mind, the Celtics must hold on to a potentially valuable 2026 first-round draft pick, even if it means being unable to trade for the ideal upgrade at center.
Any conversation about Boston must begin with the fact that Jaylen Brown and Tatum are each playing on gigantic multi-year deals. In 2026-27, Tatum will make $58,456,566 and Brown will receive $57,078,728—and both have guaranteed escalating salaries through 2028-29.
Furthermore, Derrick White is signed through 2027-28, with a player option for 2028-29, and will make more than $30 million per season starting in 2026-27.
With nearly $150 million going to just three players in 2026-27, the Celtics need as much financial help as they can find. Thankfully, they have several quality players signed to team-friendly multi-year deals already, including Hugo Gonzalez, Sam Hauser, and reigning Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard.
If Boston intends to make further moves in free agency without compromising the goal of sustainable depth, then prioritizing their 2026 first-round pick will be essential.
Celtics can't afford to trade 2026 first-round draft pick
The Celtics have first-round draft picks in 2026, 2027, and 2028, but have already traded their 2029 selection. While they have three second-round picks in 2026, they're currently on pace to be without another until 2031.
With this in mind, Boston has already been given ample reason to place significant value on the opportunity to acquire rookie-scale talent that can be developed at a minimal cost.
The Celtics are currently in line to secure the No. 23 overall selection in what's widely regarded as a stacked 2026 NBA Draft. For perspective, the No. 23 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Asa Newell, signed for four years and just $16,240,654.
If Boston finds even a rotation-caliber player to develop at a similar price, it would greatly enhance the quality of its roster and the flexibility the front office can work with to plug holes.
Exceptions exist for every rule, of course. As such, if the Celtics have a chance to trade for a player of such a significant caliber that they would take a meaningful step toward winning another championship, then negotiations over their 2026 first-round pick would be justifiable.
The standard must be set high, however, as the Celtics enter uncharted territory with significant cap hits, limited depth, and a franchise player whose future is still undecided.
If Tatum needs time to get back to the level he previously played at, as many expect he will, having affordable depth will be essential. It could prove to be the difference between overburdening the All-NBA First Team mainstay and allowing him to acclimate at a favorable pace.
Without their 2026 first-round draft pick, however, the Celtics could be stuck exploring the minimum market for short-term investments when long-term value is mere months away from being attainable.