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Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics have been quite involved in trade talks ahead of Wednesday night's NBA Draft.
The Celtics reportedly offered Gordon Hayward and all of their first-round picks to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Jrue Holiday before the Pelicans sent Holiday to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Wednesday, it was reported that Boston was looking to move into the top three. Matt Moore of The Action Network reports the Celtics and Golden State Warriors discussed a deal that would have sent Marcus Smart to the Dubs in exchange for the No. 2 overall pick:
The Boston Celtics held exploratory talks that would send Marcus Smart to the Golden State Warriors for the No. 2 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft recently, league sources told The Action Network Wednesday.
Talks fell through on both sides, sources said, and more discussions are not expected after the Celtics rejected an unknown counteroffer.
Ainge has never been afraid to move his weight around, but including Smart in trade talks is indicative of how desperate the Celtics seem to make a splash this offseason.
Smart is beloved by the fans (not to mention his teammates and coaches) for his dogged defensive effort and ability to guard almost every position on the floor. He is a tireless workhorse who constantly supplies energy on both ends.
Then again, the Celtics have a ton of backcourt assets, and limited — if any — impact players in the frontcourt. Moore says the Celtics have been targeting Memphis center James Wiseman, hence the desire to move up to the No. 2 spot.
However, it seems Boston is staying put … at least for now.
