The Boston Celtics have reportedly agreed to trade the first overall pick in Thursday’s draft to the Philadelphia 76ers, according to TNT’s David Aldridge.
The deal will be finalized on Monday and all eyes are pointing towards the 76ers drafting Markelle Fultz, the University of Washington standout who worked out for the team earlier this evening. The 76ers are reportedly sending their third overall pick in this year’s draft, and either a 2018 first-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers or a 2019 protected first-round pick from the Sacramento Kings.
The Lakers were reportedly interested in pursuing Boston’s top pick, but could not put together a better package deal than the 76ers did.
A Philadelphia lineup of Fultz, Ben Simmons, Robert Covington, Dario Saric, and Joel Embiid could be very difficult to deal with if they can all stay healthy.
Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge already has a lot of future first round picks to work with, and he merely adds to his pile. It remains to be seen if Ainge plans on flipping his newly acquired picks in order to acquire an established star. With Fultz essentially heading to Philly, UCLA’s Lonzo Ball and Kansas’ Josh Jackson become the next best available draft prospects.
