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The Boston Celtics, one of the NBA's founding franchises, have a storied history filled with championship banners. Their success is not accidental; it's the result of a series of shrewd decisions, bold trades, and fortunate breaks. Here, we rank the ten most pivotal moves that shaped the Celtics' legacy, from the earliest days to the modern era.
10. Ainge Steps Down, Stevens Takes Over
In June 2021, Danny Ainge announced his retirement, and Brad Stevens transitioned from head coach to President of Basketball Operations. While this move was under-discussed, it proved critical. Ainge, a Hall of Fame-level executive, had built much of the Celtics' recent success but had developed a reputation for being overly cautious in trades, often refusing to make deals unless he clearly won them. Stevens brought a fresh perspective and a willingness to part with assets to improve the roster. This shift in philosophy led to two major trades that ultimately secured a championship, including the acquisition of Derrick White at the 2022 trade deadline, a move Ainge likely wouldn't have made.
9. Completing a Dynasty with Dennis Johnson
In 1983, the Celtics traded Rick Robey and two second-round picks to Phoenix for Dennis Johnson, a first-round pick, and a third-round pick. Johnson, who had worn out his welcome in Seattle and Phoenix, found a perfect home in Boston. Already a champion and All-Star, he provided a steady presence alongside Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Kevin McHale. Bird famously called Johnson his favorite teammate, and Johnson's no-nonsense approach was instrumental in the Celtics' success. The iconic play where Johnson scored on a steal from Bird in the 1984 Finals remains a cherished memory for fans.
8. A Huge Pivot: The Brooklyn Nets Trade
In 2013, the Celtics traded Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Jason Terry, and DJ White to Brooklyn for a package including Keith Bogans, MarShon Brooks, Kris Humphries, Kris Joseph, Gerald Wallace, three unprotected first-round picks, and a pick swap. This trade is considered one of the greatest fleecings in NBA history. The Nets, under owner Mikhail Prokhorov, were desperate to make a splash and overpaid for aging stars. Owner Wyc Grousbeck pushed Ainge to hold out for unprotected picks, which eventually became Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. The Nets, meanwhile, have never advanced past the second round since the deal.
7. Building the 2024 Champs: Stevens' 2023 Offseason Trades
Brad Stevens made two blockbuster trades in the 2023 offseason that laid the foundation for the 2024 NBA championship. First, he acquired Kristaps Porzingis in a three-team deal that sent Marcus Smart to Memphis. Then, he traded Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams, and a 2024 first-round pick to Portland for Jrue Holiday. These moves were designed to prepare for the new second apron system, and they paid off. Holiday, in particular, became the steadying influence the team needed during playoff adversity. While both trades were crucial, the Holiday acquisition stands out as the more impactful, as it solidified the roster's chemistry.
6. Draft Night Fleecing: Swapping Picks for Tatum
In the 2017 draft, the Celtics traded the first overall pick to Philadelphia for the third pick and a future first-rounder. The Sixers were enamored with Markelle Fultz, but the Celtics had their sights set on Jayson Tatum. Ainge cleverly convinced the world he was taking Fultz, prompting the Sixers to give up a significant haul to move up. Tatum has become a perennial All-NBA player, while Fultz's career was derailed by a broken jump shot. This move could have been ranked higher if the Kings' pick had landed higher, but it still stands as a masterclass in draft maneuvering.
5. Luring Ray Allen to Boston
In 2007, the Celtics acquired Ray Allen and Glen Davis from Seattle for Jeff Green, Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West, and a second-round pick. After a disastrous 24-win season, the Celtics landed the fifth pick in the draft, which was not enough to select a generational talent. Ainge pivoted and targeted Allen, who was available. Allen's arrival made Boston an attractive destination for Kevin Garnett, setting the stage for the next move. This trade was essential, as it triggered a chain of events that restored the Celtics to prominence.
4. Stealing Larry Bird in the 1978 Draft
Red Auerbach took a monumental risk by drafting Larry Bird with the sixth overall pick in 1978, knowing Bird intended to return to college for his senior year. Auerbach gambled that he could sign Bird before the 1979 draft, and after Bird won numerous Player of the Year awards and played hardball in negotiations, the Celtics signed him to a five-year, $3.25 million deal—the richest rookie contract at the time. Bird went on to win Rookie of the Year, three MVPs, three championships, and two Finals MVPs, cementing his status as one of the greatest players ever.
3. The New Big 3: Acquiring Kevin Garnett
With Ray Allen in place, the Celtics traded Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, and two first-round picks to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett. Jefferson was a promising young big man, but Garnett's impact was transformative. He changed the team's culture, led the biggest single-season turnaround in NBA history at the time, and delivered the 2008 championship. While Jefferson put up solid numbers in Minnesota, Garnett's leadership and defensive prowess were invaluable.
2. The Original Big 3: Parish and McHale
In 1980, the Celtics traded the first and thirteenth overall picks to Golden State for Robert Parish and the third pick, which they used to select Kevin McHale. The Warriors were enamored with Joe Barry Carroll, but the Celtics saw an opportunity to build a dominant frontcourt around Larry Bird. The trade became one of the most lopsided in history, as Parish and McHale became Hall of Famers and led the Celtics to three championships in the 1980s. Carroll, meanwhile, was nicknamed 'Joe Barely Cares' for his lackluster play.
1. The Greatest Winner Ever: Drafting Bill Russell
The most pivotal move in Celtics history was acquiring Bill Russell in 1956. The Celtics traded Ed Macauley, Cliff Hagan, and the second overall pick to St. Louis for Russell. Owner Walter Brown even used his ownership of the Ice Capades to influence the Royals to pass on Russell. Russell went on to win 11 championships, including eight in a row, and is widely considered the greatest winner in sports history. The trade not only built a dynasty but also broke racial barriers, as Russell became the first Black superstar in the NBA.