The Boston Celtics are expected to make moves this offseason in the wake of falling short in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Their first opportunity to do so is coming up with the 2025 NBA Draft, and it sounds like the C’s are looking to make a big move.
With the front office working on avoiding the second apron of the league’s new salary cap, Boston needs to revamp its roster this offseason. An easy way to create financial flexibility is by simply drafting good players, as unearthing productive guys on cheap deals saves teams millions of dollars.
For the most part, the Celtics have done well when it comes to drafting and developing talent, even though they haven’t had a lottery pick since 2020 when they selected Aaron Nesmith with the No. 14 overall pick.
Armed with the No. 28 and No. 32 picks in the 2025 draft, Boston has some chips that they could use to move around the board. According to a recent report, the Celtics have been “active” in their quest to trade up ahead of the draft.
“The Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Nets are among the most active teams exploring first-round trade-ups, sources tell RG. Boston holds picks No. 28 and 32 and has been discreet in its evaluation of point guard prospects,” Grant Afseth of RG reported.
Story continues below advertisement
The C’s have been taking a close look at several of the top guards in this draft class, which makes sense when considering how prominently Jrue Holiday has been featured in trade rumors as of late.
Derrick White figures to remain in town this offseason, and Payton Pritchard could move off the bench into Holiday’s spot in the starting lineup should the former All-Star get moved. Still, the guard depth behind them is fairly weak, and if Boston identifies a prospect it likes in this draft class, now would be the time to pounce.
The Celtics do a great job at keeping their cards close to their chest, but it looks like the first of what could be many moves is on the horizon. The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft is set to get underway on June 25 at 8 p.m. ET.
