The NBA Finals are underway, but the Boston Celtics are focused on the offseason. The draft is exactly two weeks away and the Celtics are also preparing the start of free agency on July 1. With the No. 3 overall pick, two other first round selections and plenty of cap space, it's not a surprise there's plenty of buzz around the Celtics. Here are all the latest Celtics rumors and news you need to know.
Jamal Murray A Lock For The Top 6?
Kentucky combo guard Jamal Murray figures to be one first players not named Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram taken in the 2016 NBA Draft. That's evident by the teams Murray is working out for.
Jamal Murray said he's working out for just four teams: Celtics, Suns, Timberwolves, Pelicans. 3-6 in the order.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) June 8, 2016
The Celtics, barring a trade, will be the first one with a chance to pick Murray. Given their need for another scoring guard, Murray makes sense. He could be a strong fit next to Isaiah Thomas.
Kevin Love And Boston?
The offseason is nearly here, which means the inevitable Kevin Love to the Celtics rumors are back. The Vertical's Chris Mannix reports the Cavs could move Love if they lose the NBA finals. The Cavs impressive play in Game 3 without Love has only furthered that speculation. The Celtics would surely have to give up the No. 3 overall pick to land Love, and that might not be enough for the win-now Cavs and it might be too valuable a trade chip for Boston. Plus, the Celtics would likely have to add another piece (Jae Crowder?) to make a deal. While the Finals are still going on, expect to hear plenty of Love rumors around Boston if the Cavs can't win the title.
Who Will Take Malachi Richardson?
The Syracuse guard turned pro and has the makings of a first round pick. Chad Ford of ESPN Insider reports Richardson should end up being a mid-to-late first rounder this year, especially after a sharp workout Tuesday. The Celtics are one of the team's interested in Richardson.
"From my canvassing of the gym, most had him in the No. 12-22 range," Ford writes. "The Jazz, Bulls, Celtics, Nuggets, Pacers, Hawks and Hornets are showing significant interest. Richardson has already worked out with the Jazz and Hawks and has the Suns on Wednesday and Denver later in the week. I think his floor will be Philly at No. 24."
Boston has two picks near that range Ford mentions. The Celtics have the No. 16 overall pick (from the Mavericks) and their own first rounder, No. 23 overall. Richardson has a wide range, which makes sense given the questions about his shooting. He showed flashes at Syracuse, but lacked consistency. Strangely, he hit 35 percent of his shots from beyond the arc, but just 22 percent on 2-point jumpers.
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