Some rumbles around the NBA media sphere place the Boston Celtics in the hunt for a top-three pick according to the New York Times’ Marc Stein, while in other news the team is reportedly out on chasing Houston Rockets superstar James Harden, according to the Boston Herald’s Mark Murphy.
The Harden news comes as little surprise, as a competitive deal could be fielded by the Celtic, though likely at a very steep cost that might make team president Danny Ainge reticent to get involved.
At present, he and the rest of the Celtics’ front office seem to be focused on making something happen with veteran forward Gordon Hayward, whether it is an attempt to retain his services outright, or facilitate a sign-and-trade to the Atlanta Hawks.
The Celtics keep searching for trade pathways to get into the top three of tonight's NBA Draft, league sources say. 10-ish hours left to find one …
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 18, 2020
As for the draft rumor, it has been reported that the Celtics have been trying to trade up for some time — though the general range was thought to be aiming lower, at the middle of the lottery by most accounts.
Per league source on the Celtics' view of a potential James Harden deal: "No interest."
— Mark Murphy (@Murf56) November 18, 2020
Potential targets rumored to be on Boston’s radar have included USC big man Onyeka Okongwu, French floor general Killian Hayes and Auburn wing Isaac Okoro.
While we may have no resolution on the Hayward situation until his delayed decision date comes due on Thursday, November 19th at 5pm ET, with the draft set to begin at 8pm ET, we will at least have clarity about the draft by this evening.
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