The Boston Celtics’ trade to move down in the 2017 NBA Draft, securing Jayson Tatum while the Philadelphia 76ers selected Markelle Fultz with the No. 1 pick, will likely be remembered as one of the most brilliant fleeces in NBA history.
In June 2017, the Celtics, holding the No. 1 pick, decided to trade down to No. 3 in a deal with the 76ers. The trade allowed the Celtics to receive an additional 2019 first-round pick, while Philadelphia moved up to select Fultz, a guard out of Washington. Boston, meanwhile, had their sights set on Tatum, a forward from Duke who they believed was the better long-term fit.
The result of the trade has proven to be a masterstroke. Tatum has emerged as one of the NBA’s premier stars, known for his scoring ability, leadership, and all-around game. He led the Celtics to multiple playoff appearances and was pivotal in their 2022 run to the NBA Finals. Tatum has become a franchise cornerstone, a two-time All-Star, and has developed into one of the league’s top players, showcasing consistent growth year after year.
Meanwhile, Fultz’s career has been marred by injuries and a lack of development, leading to questions about the 76ers’ decision. After struggling in Philadelphia, Fultz was traded to Orlando, where he has shown occasional flashes of potential, but he has never reached the level expected of a No. 1 overall pick.
The Celtics’ trade down allowed them to secure a future asset in the 2019 pick (which became Romeo Langford) while landing a generational talent in Tatum. As time passes, this trade will likely go down in history as one of the most lopsided moves, solidifying the Celtics as the clear winners of the 2017 NBA Draft.
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