After the Boston Celtics won the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery Tuesday night, the thought of the team re-engaging in trade talks with the Chicago Bulls for Jimmy Butler seemed like it was all but over.
But on Wednesday a former Celtics star, who had a big role in the team acquiring the pick, thinks they should trade it.
Paul Pierce appeared on ESPN’s “The Jump” Wednesday afternoon to discuss the upcoming NBA Eastern Conference Finals series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Celtics. He was asked about the Celtics winning the lottery and mentioned Jimmy Butler:
“You trade this pick, because he cannot help the Celtics get over the top,” Pierce said. “The window is now. … You’re a 50-win team, you’re the No. 1 seed. You have to build on this momentum. If you can acquire a Paul George a Jimmy Butler or a Gordon (Hayward) from Utah, you have to do it.”
Pierce was part of the trade between the Celtics and Brooklyn Nets back in 2013 that sent himself, Kevin Garnett, Jason Terry and D.J. White to the Nets. In exchange, Boston received Gerald Wallace, Kris Humphries, MarShon Brooks, Kris Joseph, Keith Bogans and three first round draft picks (2014, 2016 and 2018).
The 2016 pick has turned into the No. 1 overall pick in 2017. To make matters worse, the Celtics have the Nets first round pick in 2018 as well.
Pierce tweeted this following the lottery on Tuesday night as he’s set to retire from the NBA:
And look what I leave behind for the Celts on my way out #1 pick😂👌🏾🙏🔥
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 17, 2017
It could be an interesting Summer if the Bulls and Celtics discuss trade possibilities. Again.
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