Celtics Reportedly Not Having Much Luck Trading No. 3 Pick
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Celtics would love to trade the third overall pick in Thursday's NBA Draft, but are reportedly having a tough time finding a trade partner.
According to ESPN, no team wants what Danny Ainge is currently offering.
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.
Who the Celtics like at No. 3, if they end up keeping the pick, has likewise emerged as one of the bigger mysteries of draft week, sources say.
It's been well documented that Ainge has been working hard to cash in his collection of draft picks and young talent for an established veteran. He tried to acquire Butler at the trade deadline last season, but his offer was shot down by Chicago.
According to ESPN, the Jazz have made it clear to the Celtics and other teams that Hayward isn't available. The same goes for Milwaukee when it comes to Parker and Middleton.
That means Ainge will have to keep searching in hopes of finding a deal for a veteran. Boston and the Philadelphia 76ers have been chatting about the third overall pick for some time, according to rumors, but ESPN says Ainge wants no part of a swap for big men Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel.
The Philadelphia 76ers, sources say, have been trying for some time to convince the Celtics to part with the No. 3 pick in a deal headlined by Sixers big man Jahlil Okafor or teammate Nerlens Noel, but Boston, to date, has resisted those pitches.
A lot can change over the next 36 hours, and when the picks start coming off the board teams may start coming off their high demands. But for now, it appears the Celtics will be using that No. 3 pick come Thursday night.
