NBA Draft Rumors: Boston Celtics having trouble trading up

After the Boston Celtics traded big man Kevin Garnett, swingman Paul Pierce and guard Jason Terry to the Brooklyn Nets and decided to have point guard Rajon Rondo take his time in returning from his ACL injury, they probably knew they’d be in the lottery.

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Once they came to that realization, they likely hoped to be picking a little higher than sixth-overall. That takes them out of play for some of the elite prospects, which is why they are trying to trade up.

According to A. Sherrod Blakely of CSN New England, it is going to be difficult to make a move up in the draft because other teams have better assets.

For example, the Philadelphia 76ers hold two lottery picks, the third-overall pick and 10th-overall pick and have also been dangling forward Thaddeus Young. The Orlando Magic also have two lottery picks, the fourth-overall and 12th-overall selection and may be interested in using Arron Afflalo to pry the top-overall pick from the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers reportedly prefer the Magic’s offer to others. The Utah Jazz hold the fifth-overall selection and the 23rd-overall selection and are apparently winning to include promising young big man Derrick Favors in a deal to move up. Guard Alec Burks could also be included.

The Celtics have young big men in Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk as well as the sixth-overall pick and 17th-overall pick as their top assets.