The Boston Celtics have been hoarding draft picks and assets in order to prepare for what is shaping up to be a very busy offseason for the franchise. The Celtics have been in rebuilding mode, but are ready to begin spending and trading for big names to enter the 2015-16 season with. While the Celtics have a marquee group of players on their free agency wish list, they are also eyeing top draft picks that could require some dealing to acquire.
According A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com, the Boston Celtics are seeking an elite big man and have their eyes on Willie Cauley-Stein in the NBA Draft. Blakely reports the Celtics like Cauley-Stein so much they are willing to trade up to get him. Right now the Kentucky star is projected as a high to mid-lottery pick as a number of teams would like the get the center under contract. Boston has the ability to trade up for him while not forfeiting than entire draft over the next few years.
Boston currently has two first-round draft picks and no lottery picks. They would have to trade their first-rounder to move up which means they could not trade their 2016 pick as well. However, Boston owns the No. 28 pick from the Los Angeles Clippers which they could trade since it is not technically theirs. Competition will be high to acquire Cauley-Stein which means the Celtics will have to be aggressive in what they offer.
The Celtics have a lot of moves they could potentially make in the coming months. For a year now, the Celtics have been linked to a trade for DeMarcus Cousins. The Boston Herald reports that move has come up in discussion once again. The Celtics also like what they see in Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson and Adrian Wojnarowksi of Yahoo Sports believes Boston would trade Isaiah Thomas in order to get him. With assets like Jared Sullinger, Gerald Wallace and Evan Turner also available for deals, the Celtics could make themselves some favorable trades.
With $40 million wrapped up for next year, the Celtics have cap space flexibility to target top free agents. LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love and Greg Monroe highlight the short list of priorities for Boston. However, if they are able to trade up for Cauley-Stein, those names might change.
