Inside The Celtics

The Details about Future 2nd-Round Picks Celtics Acquired at the Draft

The Celtics swung four draft-day deals, adding multiple future second-round picks.

Bobby Krivitsky

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
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The Celtics were the most active team at the 2023 NBA Draft. They swung four trades and selected former Arkansas Razorback Jordan Walsh with the 38th pick.

Thanks to the trade bringing Kristaps Porzingis to Boston and sending Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies, a deal finalized after the draft -- so, count that among the Celtics' flurry of activity -- they began the night with the 25th pick.

But in moving back, the franchise has gone three-straight years without keeping a first-round pick. Following the draft, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens joked of having never made an opening-round selection since succeeding Danny Ainge: "One of these days, I'll pick a first-round pick. It might be a while."

By keeping this tradition going, Boston created more financial flexibility and avoided dealing with the designated structure in place for paying first-round picks. That boosts the odds of using the $5 million taxpayer mid-level exception. Granted, for slightly less, it can sign someone for the veteran minimum without getting hard-capped.

Also, the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement introduces second-round exceptions, a tool the Celtics anticipate having. Players signed with it won't count against the salary cap until July 31, making it easier to get those prospects signed and into Summer League while preserving cap space.

On the heels of the draft, Stevens shed light on what motivated Boston's maneuvering, including whether they moved out of the first round because a prospect it was eying got picked before it came on the clock.

Here are the details of the cadre of future second-round picks the Celtics acquired on draft night.

  • The Mavericks' 2024 second-round pick
  • The best of the Pistons', Warriors', or Wizards' 2025 second-round pick
  • The best of the Timberwolves', Pelicans', Knicks', or Trail Blazers' 2026 second-round pick
  • The Hawks' 2027 second-round pick

So, while C's fans should be pleased with the selection of Jordan Walsh, who Stevens shared an exciting update about, the added future second-round capital could also aid Boston's roster construction.

Further Reading

Jordan Walsh Already Improving on Main Weakness, a Potential Ceiling-Changing Development

Brad Stevens Shares What Compelled Celtics to Trade for Kristaps Porzingis

Brad Stevens Discusses Difficult Decision to Trade Marcus Smart: 'He'll Always Have Boston'

Scouting Report on Celtics' Second-Round Pick Jordan Walsh

Celtics Swing 4 Draft-Day Trades, Add Future Second-Round Capital

After Trading Marcus Smart, Acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, Where Do Celtics Go from Here?

Marcus Smart Felt "Shock" and "Hurt" Over Trade from Boston Celtics

The Latest on Malcolm Brogdon's Forearm Strain

Celtics Acquire Kristaps Porzingis, Trade Marcus Smart to Grizzlies in Blockbuster Deal

Grant Williams Not Expected Back If Celtics Acquire Kristaps Porzingis

Marcus Smart Discusses Celtics' Identity, Relationship with Jaylen Brown, Boston's Coaching Hires, and Pursuit of Banner 18

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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