Celtics Swing 4 Draft-Day Trades, Add Future Second-Round Capital

The Celtics have not picked in the first round since Brad Stevens took over as president of basketball operations.

The Celtics went a third-straight year without making a first-round selection. They haven't made a pick in the opening round since Brad Stevens took over for Danny Ainge as president of basketball operations.

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Boston sent the 25th pick, which became Marcus Sasser, to the Pistons in exchange for the 31st pick and multiple future second-round selections.

The Celtics acquired the 25th pick in the three-team deal that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Boston and sent nine-year veteran Marcus Smart, the longest-tenured player on the team, to the Grizzlies.

Moving out of the first round and its guaranteed salary slot makes it easier for the Celtics to use the $5 million taxpayer mid-level exception. It also opens up the possibility of signing their second-round selection, provided they make one intending to keep that player, to one of their three two-way roster spots.

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Boston traded back again, sending the 31st pick to the Hornets for the 34th and 39th selections. Charlotte used its newly acquired draft capital on James Nnaji, a center from Barcelona who's a high-upside selection.

The Celtics then traded the 34th pick to the Kings, who are using it to select Colby Jones, as reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Boston received the 38th pick and a future second-round choice.

Per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Celtics followed that up by trading the Hawks the 39th pick, which Boston received from the Hornets. Atlanta selected Mouhamed Gueye. The return is a future second-round selection.

So, along with drafting Arkansas's Jordan Walsh 38th overall, the Celtics stockpiled four future second-round picks.

Further Reading

After Trading Marcus Smart, Acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, Where Do Celtics Go from Here?

Marcus Smart Felt "Shock" and "Hurt" Over Trade From Boston Celtics

The Latest on Malcolm Brogdon's Forearm Strain

Celtics Acquire Kristaps Porzingis, Trade Marcus Smart to Grizzlies in Blockbuster Deal

Grant Williams Not Expected Back If Celtics Acquire Kristaps Porzingis

Marcus Smart Discusses Celtics' Identity, Relationship with Jaylen Brown, Boston's Coaching Hires, and Pursuit of Banner 18

Celtics Add Former Teammate of Jayson Tatum to Coaching Staff

Rick Barry Says Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown Suffer From “Westbrook Syndrome”

Rick Barry Discusses Nearly Joining Celtics, Shares His Perspective on Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson