The Boston Celtics could look to trade up in the 2025 NBA Draft
The Boston Celtics could look to trade up in the 2025 NBA Draft
The Boston Celtics hold the 28th and 32nd picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Brad Stevens and the front office have already begun holding pre-draft workouts with players that could potentially fall within that range. Since taking the President of Basketball Operations role, Stevens has leaned toward long-tenured collegiate players, as they're often more polished and capable of contributing at the NBA level.
Given the Celtics' precarious cap space situation and the potential for multiple roster changes this summer, the upcoming draft could be an important one for Boston. While not a usual Celtics source, Grant Afseth of RG has reported that Boston is exploring moving up in the draft, as they look for a long-term solution at the point guard position.
"The Boston Celtics are quietly conducting due diligence on point guard prospects and evaluating trade-up scenarios ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, league sources told RG," Afseth reported on June 11. "Boston's interest in the position comes as veteran guard Jrue Holiday remains the subject of trade interest around the league. The Celtics have not shut down trade talks centered around Holiday as the team prepares to potentially reconfigure its long-term cap table. The possibility of adding a point guard prospect to begin developing should not be overlooked."
It remains to be seen what type of guard the Celtics could be interested in. Trying to replace Jrue Holiday is a tall order. The veteran guard is a genuine three-level scorer and one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. However, if the opportunity to add a high-potential guard to the rotation becomes available, the Celtics would be wise to explore it.
Should the Celtics acquire another guard via the draft, it will be interesting to see how that impacts JD Davison, who finally got his first full-time NBA contract late last season. The 2025 G League MVP could quickly find himself glued to the bench if Joe Mazzulla is given a remit to develop a draft talent ahead of Jayson Tatum's return in 2026.
The Celtics are expected to make multiple roster moves in the coming months. The rotation will likely look very different by the start of the new season. If that means there's a new rookie to cheer for, the fanbase will likely get behind their development. For now, though, all eyes will be on what happens in the trade market, along with what could happen on draft night.
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