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With less than a day until the event kicks off on Thursday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York City, the Boston Celtics and the 2022 NBA draft are likely to be making last-minute changes. Check out the best bookmakers for betting on the NBA Draft!
The Boston Celtics were unable to defeat the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 NBA Finals. Perhaps they will have better luck obtaining Golden State’s first-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
According to NBA writer Sean Deveney, Boston may try to acquire the Warriors’ first-round draft pick.
“The Celtics are interested in bringing in low-cost players who can contribute, and there could be a handful of polished, older players available late in this year’s first-round,” Deveney said.
The Warriors have a slew of top prospects, including James Wiseman, Moses Moody, and Jonathan Kuminga, while the Celtics have young players like Payton Pritchard, Grant Williams, and Aaron Nesmith who need more playing time to develop.
Both teams certainly are looking forward to bringing in low-cost players who can contribute, and a few polished, older players may be available late in this year’s first round. Furthermore, given the NBA’s largest luxury tax bill issue, a deal like this appears to be enticing to both parties.
Golden State also may be willing to give up the pick in exchange for future interests, such as multiple second-round picks. Since they don’t have enough cap space, the Warriors will not have three draft picks on Thursday. They could possibly combine the 28th pick, one second-round pick, and a future first-round pick.
That could be difficult for the Celtics, who have traded away their second-round picks in the last three drafts but have two incoming second-round picks next year. Boston currently holds the 53rd overall pick in the second round of the upcoming draft. If Boston does not make a trade back into the first round, they will go without a first-round pick for the first time in team history.
In exchange for veteran guard Derrick White, the Celtics sent their 2022 first-round pick, Romeo Langford, and a top-1 protected 2028 pick to the San Antonio Spurs in February. With his defense, bench scoring, and versatility, White was an excellent addition to the Celtics.
Deveney also mentioned the Orlando Magic and the New York Knicks are having discussions with the Warriors about the No. 28 pick, and Golden State may be seeking future second-round picks in return.
This could be the best-case scenario unless the Warriors trade out of the 28th pick entirely. It would allow them to target a specific player who would be a good fit for their long-term plans. Patrick Baldwin Jr. could make sense depending on his value. If we’re looking for a center, Auburn’s Walker Kessler would be a good fit.
Whoever ends up with the No. 28 pick will have the option of drafting a prospect or acquiring a polished veteran who may be more NBA-ready.
The Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Orlando Magic are all interested in the Golden State Warriors’ 28th overall pick. The New York Knicks are attempting to assemble a draft package that will propel them into the top five, and Purdue guard Jaelin Ivey is on their radar. According to Heavy, Orlando’s current revival requires as many young and promising assets as possible. The team is eager to continue developing second-year players Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner, Markelle Fultz, Wendell Carter, and Jonathan Isaac.
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