The Boston Celtics hold several picks, namely the No. 3 overall selection, which they have been actively trying to trade ahead of the draft. As a result, there are plenty of rumors swirling about what Boston plans to do. Here's all the latest Celtics buzz you need to know:
Celtics to trade No. 3 to Sixers?
The Celtics have been aggressively shopping the No. 3 pick in the draft, and a dark horse has emerged as a potential trade partner - the Philadelphia 76ers. According to Tim Welsh of CSN Sports Night, the Sixers are pushing to acquire the No. 3 pick before the draft to select Providence PG Kris Dunn:
"Philly has told Kris Dunn's camp and his agent they are trying to push the buttons to have this happen before the draft," Welsh said. "They've been in Providence locked in to the city talking to everyone that's ever encountered Kris Dunn. They are putting the full court press on the Celtics to acquire the third pick. It could go down in the next two days, so we'll see. Boston has the upper hand in knowing what Philly wants."
Philadelphia has been shopping both Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor in hopes of acquiring another high draft pick, but Welsh said Boston prefers Noel due to his athleticism and shot-blocking abilities.
However, one major problem standing in the way of this deal is the rumors linking the Celtics to Jimmy Butler. The Bulls have been taking calls about trading the All-Star, and Boston has offered a trade package centered around the No. 3 pick - and they'd obviously prefer to acquire Butler over Noel.
If Chicago acquires the No. 3 pick, they also plan to draft Dunn, who averaged 16.4 points, 6.2 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game last season.
Bucks another possible trade partner?
Boston is exploring all possible trade options, and they've had discussions with Milwaukee about acquiring sharpshooter Khris Middleton.
A bit of #NBADraft chatter: Boston has discussed 3 and a contract for Khris Middleton. Danny Ainge wants to add a scorer. #Celtics
— Probasketballdraft (@Probballdraft) June 21, 2016
The Celtics are looking for shooting specifically, and Middleton would add it, as he's a career 40 percent three-point shooter. He averaged 18.2 points and 4.2 assists per game for the Bucks last season.
Celtics to take Jaylen Brown?
However, if Boston decides to keep the pick, they appear to be favoring Cal SF Jaylen Brown. He had a relatively unimpressive season for the Golden Bears, but he has locked up his place as a high lottery pick thanks to this combination of size, strength and athleticism. Boston is among the teams that have done the most research on Brown, according to CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein.
Boston, Phoenix, and Minnesota are the three teams that have done the most research on Cal's Jaylen Brown, sources told @CBSSports.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 17, 2016
Brown was brought in for a second workout with Boston, signaling that he's someone they're very interested in. Many feel he has the high-level potential the Celtics are looking for.
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