It appears that Markelle Fultz could be in play for the 76ers.
The Sixers are in talks to send the third overall pick in Thursday’s NBA draft and a future first-rounder to the Boston Celtics in exchange for the Celtics’ first overall pick, according to the Vertical. The Sixers will have two first-rounders next season, their own and an unprotected one from the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers pick has been part of the discussion with Boston, according to the report.
The trade would enable the Sixers to draft Fultz, who is said by many to be a perfect fit for the team.
The Washington point guard is extremely versatile. He can score and create opportunities for others. His first step is deceptive. He’s shifty, changes direction with ease and is an exceptional ball handler. Fultz also can pull up and shoot the 3-pointer. He made 41.3 percent of his shots from the college 3-point range. And he can slide off the ball and be a solid addition next to Ben Simmons.
Talks are reportedly far enough along that Fultz could meet with the Sixers in Philadelphia on Saturday, according to the report. A source said he was supposed to have a second meeting with the Celtics on Saturday. However, the source said that meeting was canceled.
Since Boston won the first pick in last month’s lottery, the thought was that Fultz was destined to become a Celtic. However, sources have said that Boston has been interested in drafting Kansas shooting guard/small forward Josh Jackson, who worked out for the Sixers in Sacramento on Friday. Sixers president Bryan Colangelo, head coach Brett Brown and vice president of player personnel Marc Eversley attended the private workout.
The source said the Celtics are uncomfortable taking Jackson with the first pick.