It happens in almost every draft. One of the top prospects starts to fall and teams clamour to get him.
This year, in the 2015 NBA Draft, it was Duke's Justise Winslow, and the Boston Celtics reportedly did everything they could to snatch him up, before he ultimately wound up with the Heat at the 10th pick.
According to Chris Forsberg of ESPN.com, Danny Ainge offered the Hornets, who had the ninth pick, an impressive package of future draft picks.
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 it coveted while trying to shuffle higher).
According to sources, the Celtics' final offer to the Hornets was a package featuring 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.
Meeting with reporters in the aftermath of the draft, Ainge hinted at his team’s dogged pursuit. "Maybe we were going too hard at it," he said. "There was a time when I thought, ‘Woah, this is getting a little out of control.’ We’re putting a lot of eggs in one young player’s basket. So I’m not frustrated. In the long run, maybe it’ll be the best."
We get that Winslow has the potential to become a special talent. But, if true, four first-round picks is unheard of, and it was turned down. The Celtics had two first-rounders of their own and used them on guards Terry Rozier (No. 16) and R.J. Hunter (No. 28).