Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics are quietly conducting due diligence on point guard prospects and evaluating trade-up scenarios ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, league sources told RG.
Boston holds the No. 28 overall pick and is weighing options to move into a necessary range if a targeted prospect becomes available. The Celtics also own the No. 32 pick, providing flexibility to package assets in a potential deal.
The effort is part of a broader strategy to add cost-controlled backcourt depth as the team navigates one of the NBA’s most restrictive cap situations. Boston faces significant luxury tax and second-apron penalties due to its high-salary core, and landing a rotation-level guard on a rookie contract is viewed internally as a strategic priority.
The team has quietly evaluated several point guard options in this draft class, conducting background work and efforts to schedule workouts, sources told RG.
Boston’s interest in the position comes as veteran guard Jrue Holiday remains the subject of trade interest around the league. The Celtics have not shut down trade talks centered around Holiday as the team prepares to potentially reconfigure its long-term cap table. The possibility of adding a point guard prospect to begin developing should not be overlooked.
Tatum Injury Alters Outlook
The roster outlook has shifted following Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury, which is expected to sideline him for most or all of the 2025–26 season. Without Tatum on the floor and playing at his peak, competing for a championship would be too challenging for Boston next season. It could be used as an opportunity to reposition for a title push the following season.
The structure of this year’s draft is another factor shaping trade activity. A record number of early entrants withdrew to take advantage of NIL opportunities in college, which has thinned the depth of talent available in the late first round. As a result, higher picks have increased value, and trade-up scenarios have become more competitive.
Boston is among several teams exploring trade-up possibilities, with the Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Brooklyn Nets also viewed as active in that market, sources said.
Orlando holds the Nos. 16 and 25 picks in the first round and has Jonathan Isaac’s heavily non-guaranteed contract to leverage. Oklahoma City holds the Nos. 15 and 24 picks and controls a large stockpile of future first- and second-round picks, giving the Thunder unmatched flexibility. Brooklyn holds four first-round picks—Nos. 8, 19, 26, and 27—and veteran forward Cam Johnson to potentially form a trade package.
Grant Afseth is a Dallas-based basketball writer with over eight years of experience covering the NBA. He’s spent time on the Mavericks beat for Sports Illustrated and now writes for Sportskeeda.com and DallasHoopsJournal.com. Known for his analysis, engaging interviews, and breaking news coverage, Grant provides a fresh angle to the game.
