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NBA Rumors: 5 Draft Day trades Celtics need to make

By Parker Hurley

Jul 5, 2013; Waltham, MA, USA; New Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens, right, shares a laugh with General Manager Danny Ainge during a news conference announcing Stevens new position. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 5, 2013; Waltham, MA, USA; New Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens, right, shares a laugh with General Manager Danny Ainge during a news conference announcing Stevens new position. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 3, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) in a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Wells Fargo Center. The Atlanta Hawks won 124-86.Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) in a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Wells Fargo Center. The Atlanta Hawks won 124-86.Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Jahlil Okafor

This one seems to make sense for both sides. The number three pick in the draft for Jahlil Okafor.

For the 76ers, they have the number overall pick. All reports and all signs show that Ben Simmons is NBA and has all the makings of a number pick. The problem with Simmons is that he  had shot three three-point attempts last year.

The 76ers have spent seemingly their last four picks on big men who do not shoot. In the 76ers lineup Simmons would have to play the small forward position next to Nerlans Noel and Okafor. Okafor would have to be the shooter of the front court. In today’s NBA Simmons may be most valuable as a four.

Therefore you trade Okafor for a shooter. Comparing a 19-year old Okafor for the 18-year Jamal Murray prospect, the biggest difference is that Murray has an extra year on his contract, while Okafor obviously has NBA experience.  A Murray for Okafor swap could be good on both sides. Murray could find a way to fit into Boston, but they have plenty of guard play, and this could also give them the opportunity to let Jared Sullinger leave via free agency.

While the Celtics may want an established star, Okafor does fit with Amir Johnson and Kelly Olynk. If the Celtics are on the clock and the 76ers call offering Okafor for that number three, Okafor could be the best fit on the board.

It seems like the ultimate draft day trade, but it does make sense, and the Celtics should consider it if the call does come in.

Next: 1. Blake Griffin

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