After winning the NBA Finals in 2024, the Boston Celtics will look like a completely different team to begin the 2025-26 season.
Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles during the playoffs, putting his availability for next season in doubt. That leaves Jaylen Brown as the Celtics’ No. 1 option. On Monday, Boston traded guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks.
But the Celtics weren't done there. On Tuesday, they traded away Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks for Georges Niang and another second-round pick. These latest deals put Boston below the second apron.
Yet, after two trades in two days, general manager Brad Stevens appears to want more.
Boston Celtics guards Jaylen Brown and Derrick White and forwards Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser
Boston Celtics guards Jaylen Brown and Derrick White and forwards Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
On Tuesday night, just before Porzingis was traded away, Heavy Sports' Steve Bulpett reported that the Celtics are looking to move into the lottery for Wednesday's 2025 NBA Draft. In fact, Boston has its eyes on Illinois Fighting Illini point guard Kasparas Jakucionis.
"Currently holding the 28th pick, the Celts are said to be trying to make a trade to move up in the draft, with particular interest in projected lottery pick Kasparas Jakucionis, a 6-foot-6 point guard from Illinois," Bulpett wrote.
Boston currently holds the No. 28 and No. 32 picks in the draft. It will likely take more than that to move into the lottery, which includes picks No. 1 through 14. However, the three newly acquired second-round selections could prove valuable in a potential trade.
Jakucionis, a 6-foot-6 guard from Lithuania, spent one season with Illinois before declaring for the draft. In his lone college year, he averaged 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists, leading the Fighting Illini to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Celtics would likely benefit from adding a playmaking point guard such as Jakucionis. In 2024–25, Boston’s top playmaker was Tatum, who averaged 5.4 assists per game. However, as previously mentioned, he will begin next season recovering from injury.