The Boston Celtics are trying to turn their No. 3 draft pick into a star-caliber player.
It is not going well.
From ESPN.com’s Marc Stein:
But sources told ESPN that the Celtics, to date, have been rebuffed in their efforts to assemble a sufficiently enticing deal to acquire any of these four prime targets: Chicago Bulls All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler, Utah Jazz guard Gordon Hayward and Milwaukee Bucks teammates Jabari Parker or Khris Middleton.
The Bulls, sources say, continue to show little interest in dealing Butler to the Celtics, who previously tried to trade for him before the league’s annual deadline in February.
Sources say the Celtics are one of just a number of teams trying to convince Utah to surrender Hayward — Phoenix, which holds two lottery picks (No. 4 and 13) in Thursday’s draft, is another — but the Jazz have been telling interested teams that he is not available.
The same, sources say, goes for Parker and Middleton in Milwaukee, since the Bucks regard both of those young cornerstones, as well as Giannis Antetokounmpo, as untouchables.
Hot damn, that’s a lot of information.
We knew about the Jimmy Butler stuff already. The Celtics can offer the best package for him, headlined by that No. 3 pick, but it’s unclear what else their attaching to it.
Gordon Hayward would be a nice fit in Boston, having already played for Brad Stevens in college, but it doesn’t make much sense to give up anyone or anything of extreme value. He will be a free agent (player option) after next season. The Celtics can pursue him then.
Khris Middleton and Jabari Parker would be flames for the Celtics. It’s no surprise, however, the Milwaukee Bucks aren’t biting. The Giannis Antetokounmpo-Middleton-Parker tricycle is pretty much their entire future, and there really isn’t a combination of other assets the Celtics can offer that will strengthen the team’s rebuild without two of those three players.
There is still time for things to get done before the draft, but don’t hold your breath on the Celtics’ front. Though aggressive, team president Danny Ainge does not overpay for assets via trade. He will sooner stand pat and hope to consolidate assets later than try expedite the Celtics’ rebuild at substantial cost.
