Fultz is expected to be the No. 1 pick after a single season at Washington, where he put up big numbers but didn't win many games.
The thinking behind the trade, largely, is that the player the Sixers mosts covets in this year's draft - point guard Markelle Fultz, would not be available by pick 3, whereas the players the Celtics are circling - forward Josh Jackson and forward Jayson Tatum - nearly certainly will still be available at pick 3. "The player chosen may end up being a franchise-level player".
"We're thrilled to be able to select what we expect [to] be an impact player with the third pick in this year's very talented draft class, while also adding a highly valuable future asset as we continue to build toward Banner 18", Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said in a statement. "With the certainty of No. 1, we know we control our circumstances".
But, something that can be answered fairly certainly is whether trading the first overall pick has been beneficial for National Basketball Association teams in previous seasons? "We came to a conclusion it was the right situation and the right point in the deal progression to make a deal, and we did". Over the next two years, the team will have their own 2018 draft pick, the Lakers' 2018 pick (if lottery lands 2-5), and the Net's 2018 pick.
Boston will receive the Lakers' 2018 pick if it falls between No. 2 and No. 5. They will also have plenty of picks in 2019 as they own their own 2019 pick, Memphis' 2019 pick (if 9+), and the Clippers' 2019 pick (if 15+). Otherwise, the Celtics will have a choice of first-rounders in 2019 - either from Sacramento or Philadelphia, whichever pick is higher.
"This is certainly a trade that is under the microscope more than others", Ainge said. "We're not mortgaging our future". "We are using house money here".
Fultz worked out for the Sixers on Saturday night.
Tropical Storm Cindy threatens Gulf Coast; Bret in Caribbean
A tropical storm warning was in effect from High Island, Texas, to the Pearl River's mouth along the Louisiana-Mississippi line. Tropical systems bring a threat of strong winds, especially south of I-20, heavy rain, flooding and tornadoes to the ArkLaTex.
The 6-foot-4 Fultz, who has a wingspan of 6-9¾, averaged 23.2 points, 5.9 assists, 5.7 rebounds and shot 41.3 percent from 3-point land during his only collegiate season. Fultz, 19, is attractive for Philadelphia because he can play point and shooting guard.
The 76ers may not be done dealing. It has been rumored that Ainge is really interested in drafting Josh Jackson from Kansas University, but he still could also trade the pick for an established star for a team that needs rebuilding.
Jones had been saying since the trade rumors started that the Celtics better be getting multiple assets in addition to trading down from No. 1.
Colangelo claimed "there's a lot of interest in our picks". "We're lining up options".
Together with Simmons, Jahlil Okafor and 2017 NBA Rookie of the Year finalists Joel Embiid and Dario Saric, the 76ers will have a young core of talent that could provide a formidable base upon which to rebuild the team.
I think theyre both terrific players, Ainge said.
Colangelo on the brisk pace of ticket sales: "I would venture to say we're going to be sold out this year, playing to full capacity every night".
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