Philadelphia 76ers

NBA rumors: Celtics, Sixers in talks for No. 1 pick, Lakers love Fultz

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sports Illustrated, Jeremy Woo/Sports Illustrated

The Celtics are in trade talks with the 76ers involving the No. 1 pick in the draft, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.

ESPN's Zach Lowe reports the Celtics would receive draft picks and no players under the current structure of the deal. The Sixers own the No. 3 pick in this year's draft.

The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski reports the Sixers are “deep into talks” with the Celtics and are awaiting medical information on Markelle Fultz. A deal would include the third pick and a future first from the Sixers. He reports that talks are far enough along that Fultz may meet with the Sixers in Philly on Saturday instead of a previously scheduled trip to Boston.

Philadelphia holds a host of future draft assets, including the Lakers' 2018 first-round selection and the Kings' 2019 first-rounder. The Sixers also hold their own first-rounders in those drafts.

On top of that, Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress reports the Lakers are “in love” with Fultz,  who has long been the presumptive No. 1 pick, following a strong workout on Thursday. The Lakers, who pick second, could potentially try and move up to deal with the Celtics.

Among the players in consideration atop the draft are Fultz, Lonzo Ball, Josh Jackson, De'Aaron Fox and Jayson Tatum. This is considered a strong draft class, and the disparity between players No. 1 through five or six is not especially wide for some teams. The Celtics could be justified in dealing down and acquiring future assets if they're not sold on Fultz.

Regardless, the big takeaway is that Boston has successfully created a market for the top pick.

The NBA draft is Thursday.

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