The Boston Celtics probably hoped their year in the lottery would have worked out a little better.
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Instead of getting one the draft’s elite prospects like former Kansas Jayhawks’ swingman Andrew Wiggins, former Duke Blue Devils’ forward Jabari Parker or Australian point guard Dante Exum, they will likely have to settle for a prospect on a slightly lower level with the sixth-overall selection (although they may get a chance to draft Wiggins’ college teammate, center Joel Embiid, who might be the best prospect in the draft, because of his recent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot).
That’s why the Celtics are reportedly eyeing the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first-overall pick, but according to Mark Murphy of The Boston Herald reports the Celtics have talked to the other four teams above them – the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz – as well.
League source says Celts have talked to all five higher teams about trading up. But nothing imminent. Still preparing for picks 6 and 17.
— Mark Murphy (@Murf56) June 24, 2014
The Celtics are reportedly being very active and are looking at several different scenarios. Ideally, the Celtics would like to trade for Minnesota Timberwolves’ power forward Kevin Love and although they own two first round picks, have future picks and young talent like big men Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk, there are reportedly other offers that seem more enticing to the Timberwolves. Of course, that could all change, especially if the Celtics could acquire one of the first few picks.
The NBA Draft is Thursday night. Stay tuned for FanSided for all of the latest news in the NBA and join us Thursday night as we break down every pick.