The offseason is generally consisted of playing the “what if” game while analyzing the team roster. For the Celtics, it seems they’ll go to any lengths to provide a ‘win-now’ team for Kevin Durant to even consider Boston as an option this summer in free agency. According to former Bull and current CSN broadcaster for the Boston Celtics, Brian Scalabrine believes the Bulls and Celtics would come to an agreement to ship Butler to Boston for a Top 3 pick in return, according to CSN Boston. That said, the Celtics will be in the lottery using the Brooklyn Nets’ pick which is projected to be #4 in the draft.
“Here’s the name if it’s one, two, or three: Chicago trades Jimmy Butler. They want to sell the idea that they can rebuild and they can rebuild with a top three pick. Once you get Jimmy Butler…then you get who!?” – Brian Scalabrine
Neither Gar Forman or John Paxson are known to big risk takers. Trading a perennial Allstar in Jimmy Butler for a Top 3 pick would be a classic case of high-risk, high-reward situation. A Top 3 pick can turn into a bust, more times than not. However, with the front office forcing their vision to work with Fred Hoiberg, that will come at a cost by trading away their best player who’s relationship with his coaches and teammates seem to be a bit shaky.
Top 3 picks in recent years:
2014
- Andrew Wiggins
- Jabari Parker
- Joel Embiid- BUST
2013
- Anthony Bennett- BUST
- Victor Oladipo
- Otto Porter
2012
- Anthony David
- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist- BUST
- Bradley Beal
2011
- Kyrie Irving
- Derrick Wililams- BUST
- Enes Kanter
2010
- John Wall
- Evan Turner
- Derrick Favors
2009
- Blake Griffin
- Hasheem Thabeet- BUST
- James Harden
2008
- Derrick Rose
- Michael Beasley- BUST
- OJ Mayo
2007
- Greg Oden- BUST
- Kevin Durant
- Al Horford
2006
- Andrea Bargnani
- LaMarcus Aldridge
- Adam Morrison- BUST