The Atlanta Hawks weren't the only who sought the New Orleans Pelicans' second top-five pick. As reported by ESPN's Jackie MacMullan, the Boston Celtics had attempted to engage the Pelicans in trade discussions about the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft before it was sent to the Hawks.
Jackie MacMullan was on ESPN just now saying that the Boston Celtics were trying to talk with the New Orleans about the #4 pick. Called it a "blow" to Boston.
— 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐨 (@FlyByKnite) June 20, 2019
Atlanta acquired the No. 4 pick, along with forward Solomon Hill, the No. 57 overall pick, and a future second-rounder from New Orleans less than an hour before the draft began in exchange for the No. 8, No. 17, and No. 35 picks. ESPN reports that the Hawks, who also swapped top-10 picks last year on draft before selecting Trae Young, plan on drafting Virginia forward DeAndre Hunter with the fourth overall selection.
The Celtics are reeling from the likelihood that both Kyrie Irving and Al Horford, the team's two best players, are poised to sign elsewhere in free agency. Irving's potential defection has been known for weeks, but until Wednesday evening, it seemed Horford was on the verge of opting out of his deal and re-signing with Boston on a multi-year contract. Instead, it now appears the All-Star big man is set to enter free agency seeking four-year offers from competing teams after initial contract talks with the Celtics proved fruitless.
Boston general manager Danny Ainge is arguably the most aggressive decision-maker in all of basketball. With his team suddenly at a crossroads, don't be surprised if Ainge is heard from again by the time the draft is finished on Thursday night.
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