Celtics Aim for NBA Draft Trade to Select Lithuanian Star

BOSTON, Mass. — The Boston Celtics are reportedly seeking to negotiate a trade that would give them one of the top 14 picks in the upcoming NBA draft, potentially allowing them to select Lithuanian player Jakučionis.

Since 2020, the Celtics have not held a lottery pick, which grants the opportunity to choose players from the top 14 selections. However, the team is aggressively pursuing trades to change this. According to Heavy Sports journalist Steve Bulpett, the Celtics are focusing on acquiring a higher draft pick.

“It’s unclear if the Celtics will be able to move high enough to select him, but there are definitely teams above them willing to drop down,” said a source from the Celtics’ front office, preparing for the draft. “The question is what Boston is willing to offer to make this happen.”

Standing at 198 cm, Jakučionis averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists while playing for the University of Illinois in the NCAA. Recently, the Celtics completed two trades, sending Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday away and acquiring Georges Niang, Anfernee Simons, and three second-round picks.