The Boston Celtics were apparently ready to make a huge move before the 2020 NBA Draft.
According to Zach Harper of The Athletic, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge dangled point guard Kemba Walker to the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers for a lottery pick in a grand scheme to get veteran Jrue Holiday.
“League sources said Danny Ainge was trying to move Kemba Walker for a top 10 pick prior to the deadline,” Harper wrote. “He dangled Kemba in front of Chicago and Cleveland, but neither team bit on the offer. The goal was to get the fourth or fifth pick to then flip it to New Orleans for Holiday.”
The Bulls selected Patrick Williams with the No. 4 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, while the Cavs used the No. 5 pick to select Isaac Okoro.
Both teams are undergoing rebuilds right now. It is considered a long shot for the Cavs or Bulls to make the playoffs next season.
As for the Celtics, they made the Eastern Conference Finals last season. However, they got bounced in six games by the Miami Heat.
Ainge appears to be doing whatever it takes to maximize the Celtics’ chances of winning a championship.
Walker, 30, is still in his prime. The All-Star averaged 20.4 points, 4.8 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game last season for the Celtics.
