If the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers can't agree to a potential trade involving Boston's No. 3 pick, the New Orleans Pelicans could be an alternative trade option for Philadelphia. If New Orleans negotiates with Philadelphia in the hours leading up to Thursday night's NBA draft, it reportedly won't be the first time the two teams have talked. On Wednesday, Joe Giglio's NBA draft rumors column led with the headline: "Pelicans, Sixers talked Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel trades."
Rumor CentralAccording to Chad Ford, the 76ers are ramping up efforts to aquire the Celtics' No. 3 pick. However, Chris Forsberg believes the Celtics will be content to wait and see how desperate teams get as pick No. 3 approaches. Perhaps, this could open the door for a trade with the Pelicans as the clock ticks this evening. The possibility also exists of the Celtics keeping the pick, selecting Providence guard Kris Dunn, and then trading him. Philadelphia reporter Jake Fischer tweets that the Pelicans are one of three teams enamored with Dunn, per sources. "If Boston picks him at No. 3, expect a trade to follow," Fischer wrote on Twitter.
In his Mock Draft 10.1, Ford points out that GM Dell Demps "is under fire" and his goal is to get the Pelicans to the playoffs next season. The No. 6 pick in the draft likely won't help New Orleans win next season, notes Ford, but a more experienced player via a trade could finally get the Pelicans out of the draft lottery this time next year. Could Okafor or Noel provide the boost needed for New Orleans to make the playoffs?
If the Pelicans keep their No. 6 pick, they'll want a player who can make an immediate impact, notes John Reid of NOLA.com. Oklahoma senior Buddy Hield, a man among boys in the youth-filled draft, would certainly fit the bill. Ford projects Hield to go at No. 6 in Mock Draft 10.1, but also names Dunn and Dragan Bender as possibilities.