The Charlotte Hornets got their man Thursday night: Frank “The Tank” Kaminsky, the Naismith Player of the Year and star of NCAA basketball runner-up Wisconsin. The Hornets drafted him with the No. 9 pick, a pick the Boston Celtics attempted to trade for in order to draft Justise Winslow (who was almost certainly going to be picked by Miami at No. 10). How badly did the Celtics want Winslow? Remember all those draft picks the Celtics have been hoarding? Well, Danny Ainge was prepared to unload a lot of them on the Hornets:
The Celtics made a strong final push to multiple teams in spots 4-9 on draft day. It culminated with an all-in effort in attempt to get Charlotte to deliver the No. 9 pick with Boston lusting for Duke forward Justise Winslow (the same player they coveted while trying to shuffle higher).
According to sources, the Celtics’ final offer to the Hornets was a package that could have featured as many as six draft picks, including four potential first-round selections (a combination of picks from this draft and in the future). But the Hornets could not be swayed and turned down multiple offers to select Wisconsin center Frank Kaminsky.
That would have been a hell of a haul for Charlotte, but owner Michael Jordan wasn’t swayed enough to abandon the thought of The Tank suiting up in the teal and purple next season. Although, Jordan may have saved Ainge from himself. After some reflection, he appears to have come to his senses regarding the fact he almost parted ways with six draft picks — one of which is an unprotected Brooklyn first rounder.
Paraphrasing Ainge, he offered the Hornets too much (reportedly 4 1st-round picks) for No. 9 and is glad upon reflection he was turned down. — Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) June 26, 2015
[SBNation]
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