Jahlil Okafor (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The NBA trade rumors heat up for the Boston Celtics as they explore options with the no.3 pick.
After the official draft order was set in the draft lottery, the actual value of the Boston Celtics best asset has now been determined.
The Celtics were hoping to move up at least one spot as the 2016 NBA Draft was projected to have only two possible game-changing players, the Celtics stood pat at no.3.
It is not known whether Danny Ainge would keep the pick or use it as a trade chip. But if they did make the top 2, the pick could lure quality veterans or even All-Star players when packaged with another asset. Since they landed outside the coveted range, the speculation is that Jahlil Okafor is probably their best bet.
This was reiterated by sportswriter Bill Simmons, a known Boston Celtics die-hard in his appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub's "Toucher & Rich" show (h/t NESN)
"I think the guy they're going to trade for is Okafor," Simmons said. "That almost happened in February. And if you think about it, it makes a ton of sense for Philly. ... They basically spent all these high lottery picks on big guys - Nerlens Noel, (Joel) Embiid ... and then last year Okafor. And meanwhile the league's gone small, and you need perimeter guys to win in the NBA."
The Sixers logjam at the center spot was the result of former GM Sam Hinkie's "process." He prioritized collecting assets rather than building a competitive roster. Now, they need to consider player positions as Simmons elaborated.
"If you're Philly, first of all if you put Ben Simmons with any of those guys, it doesn't really make sense. Ben Simmons can't shoot. He's probably a stretch-four in the NBA and he can't shoot, which makes him just a four. And you already have a bunch of guys who can't shoot. So I think if you're Philly, I just think it makes sense to trade Okafor for (the No. 3 pick) ... and Philly could take Jamaal Murray at (No. 3), and they could take Ingram or Simmons at (No. 1). .. And for the Celtics, you could argue Okafor could be the best player in this draft."
The Boston Celtics have long coveted a big man. They have been linked to various trades involving a center like DeMarcus Cousins. It makes sense to take Okafor.
However, Okafor is not a unanimous choice as a trade option for the no.3 pick. In a vide o from Bleacher Report, Howard Beck named Greg Monroe of the Milwaukee Bucks as the ideal trade target for the Boston Celtics if they trade the no.3 pick.
Monroe was the big free agent acquisition for Milwaukee last season but he has not really been the answer for the team as they regressed from being a playoff team back to the lottery. Beck identified him as a "modest target" for the no.3 pick but the Celtics may have to add one other player to the package.
