By: Tim Kelly, Editorial Assistant
While it may be a near-lock that the Philadelphia 76ers select LSU's Ben Simmons with the No. 1 overall pick in this Thursday's NBA Draft, the week may not lack intrigue for the Sixers.
According to Gary Tanguay of Comcast SportsNet New England, the Sixers are attempting to move back into the top five of the NBA Draft to select Providence guard Kris Dunn.
Celts and Sixers trade talk heats up. Philly really really wants Dunn per Tim Welsch. @CSNNE
— Gary Tanguay (@Gary_Tanguay) June 20, 2016
Earlier in the day, Phil Allen, formely of 97.5 the Fanatic, reported that the Sixers were 'this close' to a trade with the Celtics for the No. 3 overall pick that would allow them to select Dunn.
What the Sixers would move in a potential trade with the Celtics is anyone's guess. Jahlil Okafor, who multiple reports have suggested the Sixers could potentially move prior to the draft, has reportedly been of interest to the Celtics in the past. The Sixers also own the rights to the Los Angeles Lakers' 2017 first-round pick, assuming it doesn't land in the top three, along with the Sacramento Kings 2019 first-round pick, which is fully unprotected. Those assets are among a slew that the Sixers could use to help secure two of the top three picks in this year's NBA Draft.