The Boston Celtics were one of the most active teams in the rumor mill prior to the draft. Holding the third overall pick allowed Boston to shop it for players hoping to draft an impact player. At times, it appeared Boston could come close to trading for Jimmy Butler or one of Philadelphia’s young players and more picks.
But it now appears that the Celtics were never close to making a trade. Or so says their co-owner, Wyc Grousbeck:
Wyc Grousbeck: "We did not SNIFF a trade today. It was a collection of rip-off attempts, and we laughed at them." #Celtics owner heated.
— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) June 24, 2016
The Celtics seem to value draft picks even more than most teams. So it would not be shocking if they believed that they were low-balled in offers for the third overall pick.
This could also be a Celtics-esque leak to save face. At one point it appeared that Boston would be able to get several picks as well Nerlens Noel and Robert Covington from Philadelphia for the pick. They may have held out to long in order to get Butler and in doing so lost the opportunity for a great offer.
The statement from the Celtics co-owner seems very much like one which is made to make the fan base feel better about what ended up being a strange and disappointing night for them.
