Celtics reportedly offered multiple draft picks to Wizards for Davis Bertans
By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
All of the frustration about Danny Ainge ‘refusing to part with draft picks’ at the NBA’s trade deadline may have been misplaced.
According to Chris Mannix’s trade deadline notebook for Sports Illustrated, the Celtics were not stingy with their draft picks when trying to acquire forward Davis Bertans from the Washington Wizards. According to Mannix:
“The Celtics were out there looking for a little of everything: Bench help, perimeter shooting (wasn’t everyone) and some size in the frontcourt. They aggressively pursued Washington’s Davis Bertans, willing to go deep into the draft war chest to pry Bertans loose. But the Wizards, who see Bertans as an ideal fit alongside Bradley Beal and a returning John Wall next season, didn’t bite. Now Boston has to hope that its overachieving frontcourt of Daniel Theis, Enes Kanter and Grant Williams can hold up in the playoffs. The trio has been tremendous during the regular season.”
What qualifies as “deep into the draft war chest” is open to interpretation. Does it imply quality, quantity, or both? Did the Celtics offer a pair of first-rounders like the Wizards reportedly wanted, and Washington still said no? Or did Danny Ainge just throw as many second-round picks at them as he could, hoping that would make the deal work?
Whatever the case, the Celtics will move forward without Bertans or any other help from the trade deadline. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t strengthen their frontcourt. The team is still expected to be a player in the buyout market, and forward Robert Williams is making positive progress working his way back from a serious hip injury.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Hate mail? Let him hear it on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].
