The Celtics’ return from trading away Jaylen Brown has been looking better and better as time has passed, and now, with the NBA hammering the Clippers for the Kawhi Leonard salary cap circumvention scandal, the 2028 pick swap Boston acquired via LA is looking juicy as can be. Adam Silver came down extremely hard and punished the Clips by stripping them of their next five first-round draft picks, as well as suspending most of the team’s key figures.
So, the Clippers are now stuck with a very uninspiring roster, and almost zero means to improve over the next few years. That’s great news for the Celtics, who acquired the rights to swap for the Clippers’ unprotected first-rounder in 2028. That looked like a good asset in the moment, but after these rulings, it may be the best asset floating around the entire league.
LA should be bad for a long time, but with no motivation to tank, they will likely be a bottom-10 team in the league, which is ideal for the new draft lottery system and should give Boston a serious chance at a premium pick.
To trade or not to trade the 2028 pick
But that’s where things get a little tricky. The pick is suddenly such a good asset that the way the Celtics utilize this gift is one of the most fascinating stories to watch over the next couple of years, and may end up defining the rest of the Jayson Tatum era. When Boston first made the Brown trade, most fans assumed they’d be using the new assets to go shopping for more star power to put alongside Tatum.
That may still be the case, but with a chance at a top pick in what’s projected to be a very strong 2028 draft, and given Brad Stevens’ proven track record of success drafting as late as he has, it’s at least worth wondering if Boston should just use the pick and potentially draft a generational talent who could be the next franchise cornerstone and come into his prime just as Tatum is starting to decline.
It has now become a very reasonable debate and a massive decision that’s looming for the Celtics’ front office. Luckily for them, it’s a good problem to have, and it’s not a decision that has to be rushed. If teams come calling and want to blow them away with an offer that Boston loves, they should go ahead and take it if they think that move can position them to win championships with Tatum.
How Celtics use 2028 pick may define the era
But if they don’t find a deal they love, they’re totally justified in keeping the pick and using it on the prospect they like best in the draft. Both sides can be the right path, but they each come with major risk as well. If the Celtics don’t trade the pick, they might not be able to give Tatum the pieces he needs to raise another banner in his prime.
On the other hand, if they do trade the pick, they risk giving away a possible superstar who could dominate the league for years to come, with no guarantee of immediate payoff. It’s a hugely critical decision with no clear answer at the moment, but the right choice could set the franchise up to compete for the next decade or more.
At the end of the day, hopefully it’s such a good asset that they can’t possibly mess it up, and if nothing else, I couldn’t be more thankful that Brad Stevens and his team are the ones who will ultimately be making this decision that will define an era.
Add us as a preferred source on Google