The Boston Celtics will aim to maximize their two picks in the 2025 NBA draft following two blockbuster trades that targeted salary trimming and clearing cap space.
Jrue Holiday was sent to the Portland Trail Blazers for guard Anfernee Simons and two future second-round picks. The move relieved the Celtics with roughly $40 million in luxury tax. On Tuesday, the Celtics traded away another big name in Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks via a three-team deal involving the Brooklyn Nets. They received Georges Niang and a second-round pick while saving an estimated $180 million in potential tax penalties.
Both Porzingis and Holiday were part of the championship team that won in 2024. After these trades, team president Brad Stevens showed intent to trade for a higher pick in the draft, potentially eyeing prospects like Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis.
Celtics draft picks 2025: When does Boston pick?
The Celtics hold two picks in both the first and second rounds. The first round will be televised on Wednesday, June 25 at 8 PM ET, and the second round takes place Thursday, June 26 at 8 PM ET, both held in primetime.
Celtics drafted Hugo Gonzalez at No. 28
At No. 28, Boston drafted an overseas talent in Hugo Gonzalez, who is from Spain. The 6-foot-6 guard played for Real Madrid in the EuroLeague. A scouting report from SI said:
"A Spanish wing standing at 6-foot-6 with guard tools, Gonzalez has one of the most intriguing skillsets in this entire draft class. He has a strong frame and good athleticism for his size, all while boasting a great handle and shiftiness with the ball.
"When it comes to players with baseline skillsets to make an early impact in the NBA, Gonzalez fits the mold. He could be a legitimate contributor as a rookie with his NBA-ready frame and foundational traits. He’s extremely smart and his IQ stands out on both ends of the floor."
Celtics' traded away No. 32 for two more picks and more
The Celtics traded their No. 32 pick to the Orlando Magic in exchange for #46 and #57 in this draft plus future second-rounders in 2026 and 2027.
With the No. 46 pick, they drafted Kentucky center Amari Williams. The 7-foot defensive anchor earned three consecutive CAA Defensive Player of the Year honors before transferring to Kentucky, where he averaged 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and shot 56.1%.
With the No. 57 pick, the Celtics drafted Virginia Commonwealth University combo guard Max Shulga. Last year, he averaged 15.0 points on .435/.387/.783 shooting splits, along with 5.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.8 steals per game.