Report: Celtics would've traded pick for Jimmy Butler if it was No. 1 protected

For much of the last year, Jimmy Butler‘s name has been mentioned prominently in trade rumors of being shopped around the league.

One of the potential landing spots that have stuck out above the rest has been the Boston Celtics, who have been heavily linked to the All-Star forward over that span. While many rumors stated that the Celtics were looking to deal for the Chicago Bulls‘ forward, nothing ever came to fruition. In light of that, Adam Kaufman of CBS Radio is reporting that the Celtics would have traded the No.1 overall pick… had it been protected.

.@SteveBHoop told me & @Sean_McAdam #Celtics were willing to deal #Netspick for Butler, but if No. 1 protected – meaning have guy in mind.

— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) May 28, 2017

All this shows is that there is still significant interest on the Celtics' behalf in Butler. It is the asking price that is still yet to be determined. The Bulls are still believed to desire a hefty haul in return for their star forward, who still has three years on his five-year, $92.3 million deal left.

That said, Boston could once again revisit this route if they are willing to still move the pick in exchange for Butler. This could indubitably depend on what their outlook on Isaiah Thomas‘ future with the team as he has just one year remaining on his deal worth $6.2 million. If they believe he is their long-term answer at the position, then trade talks for the No.1 pick could become realistic.

Until then, the Celtics still have just under a month to determine what route they will go with the first overall selection in this year's draft. It's a huge luxury that Boston has in front of them, and general manager Danny Ainge will act according to what he believes is best for the organization long-term.