Boston Obtained Fred Roberts With an Unusual Additional Term
On September 25, 1986, Boston acquired Fred Roberts from Utah for a 1987 third-round selection and a commitment to play two exhibition games in Utah. The future draft slot later appeared as No. 68, associated with Billy Donovan. The preseason-game promise was a real nonplayer consideration in the agreement, not another future draft pick or a second NBA contract. Utah received both the lower-round prospect opportunity and the value of hosting the Celtics in exhibitions, while Boston took a veteran forward it could use in its rotation.
Roberts Gave Boston Frontcourt Size and Experience
Roberts arrived as a known NBA forward who could help Boston manage regular-season frontcourt depth and injuries. The Celtics had an established championship-level starting group, making capable reserve minutes more useful than the speculative return from a third-round selection years away. He still had to earn his new role, and any performances for Utah before the agreement belong to the Jazz. The trade's appeal lay in obtaining a real professional with a role the Celtics could assess immediately. It was not the arrival of another top overall draft pick or a replacement for Boston's central stars.
Utah's Compensation Went Beyond Billy Donovan's Draft Position
The Jazz collected a third-round selection that the 1987 draft ledger associates with No. 68 Billy Donovan. That selection didn't guarantee a long NBA playing career and should not be confused with Donovan's much later coaching achievements. Utah also gained the right to host Boston for two exhibition games, a business and promotional benefit rather than a regular-season win or a basketball prospect. A review that ignores those agreed contests understates the compensation, while one that treats exhibition commitments as two players greatly inflates it. Both parts belong in the original trade description.
The Celtics Slightly Favored Immediate Basketball Depth
Boston received a veteran who could actually join the roster; Utah obtained a lower-round choice and a business-oriented commitment. The Celtics' direct basketball return is easier to identify, which supports a modest winning verdict. Utah still obtained tangible compensation for a player it was willing to trade, and the exhibitions may have mattered to the franchise and its supporters. Neither part of the agreement produced a new superstar by itself. Recognizing both the specific 1987 third-round slot and the unusual exhibitions clause is essential to fair grades.
Final Verdict
Slight Celtics Edge. Boston earns B- for acquiring experienced forward Fred Roberts. Utah receives C+ for a 1987 third-round right associated with No. 68 Billy Donovan and Boston's promise to play two exhibition games in Utah. Donovan's later coaching reputation isn't a Jazz NBA contribution, and exhibition commitments aren't draft picks.