As the NBA world turns its eyes toward the 2025 NBA Draft, whispers out of Boston are becoming roars — the Celtics are on the verge of shaking up the board in a way no one saw coming. After a bitter end to their playoff campaign, it appears the green-and-white empire isn’t wasting any time. With the franchise reportedly targeting a move up the draft board, insiders say Boston could be about to trigger the first domino in what might become a blockbuster offseason.
While fans are still reeling from their unexpected playoff elimination, the Celtics front office is playing chess, not checkers. Their eyes are locked on the future, and it’s one that might no longer include Jrue Holiday. With trade rumors swirling around the veteran guard like a New England nor’easter, it appears Brad Stevens and company are preparing for a contingency plan — and it begins with this year’s draft.
“The Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Nets are among the most active teams exploring first-round trade-ups,” reported Grant Afseth of RG. “Boston holds picks No. 28 and 32 and has been discreet in its evaluation of point guard prospects.”
Let that sink in: Boston is quietly sniffing out point guards, seemingly plotting the eventual transition from Jrue Holiday to the next backcourt general — a calculated pivot that may define the next chapter of Celtics basketball.
Behind the scenes, Boston’s executives are maneuvering under the constraints of the NBA’s new salary cap structure. With the dreaded second apron looming like a guillotine over big-spending teams, the Celtics know they need to inject affordable young talent — and drafting wisely is the most cost-effective way to do it. Rookie contracts allow contenders like Boston to stay nimble financially while maintaining championship-caliber depth.
It’s no secret the Celtics have a track record of unearthing gems in the draft — even without lottery luck. Think of Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, or Jayson Tatum. While their last lottery pick was Aaron Nesmith in 2020, Boston’s eye for talent remains razor-sharp. And now, holding the 28th and 32nd picks, the Celtics possess just enough ammunition to climb the ladder if they spot a future star lingering in the mid-first round.
The most glaring area of concern? Point guard.
With Jrue Holiday’s name popping up in trade rumors and Derrick White likely staying put, Boston’s guard depth is suddenly under a magnifying glass. Payton Pritchard, once a trusted bench spark, may be elevated — but can he truly fill Holiday’s shoes? If not, it’s now or never to bring in fresh blood. The Celtics appear determined to move up, target a guard they believe in, and groom him under the system.
“Boston has been discreet in its evaluation of point guard prospects,” Afseth added — a line that hints at a major surprise move brewing.
The Celtics, renowned for their organizational secrecy, are keeping everything tightly under wraps. But leaks are starting to spill, and if Boston is circling top guard prospects, one has to wonder: Have they already picked their guy?
And that question might be answered on June 25, when the 2025 NBA Draft’s first round kicks off at 8 p.m. ET. That night could be the beginning of a new Celtics era — one where fans witness a stunning draft-day trade, a Jrue Holiday exit, or even the emergence of a rookie phenom destined for the Garden’s spotlight.
Whatever happens, one thing is clear: Boston isn’t standing still. They’re plotting, positioning, and maybe — just maybe — pulling off the most clever move of the entire draft.
