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Sixers in ‘deep talks’ for the number one pick in the 2017 NBA Draft

By George Kondoleon

Apr 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; NBA draft prospect Markelle Fultz watches court side during the second half of a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets at Wells Fargo Center. The Brooklyn Nets won 141-118. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; NBA draft prospect Markelle Fultz watches court side during the second half of a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets at Wells Fargo Center. The Brooklyn Nets won 141-118. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Sixers have been rumored multiple times in potentially trading back, but now the opposite could be in play.

The Sixers are certainly making waves prior to draft night. The latest report from Adrian Wojnarowski claims that Philadelphia is in deep talks with the Boston Celtics involving the top pick in the draft, landing the team Markelle Fultz.

Wojnarowski went on to say that the teams are so close to a deal that Fultz will be meeting with the Sixers on Saturday. The deal would reportedly involve the third pick in this year’s draft, and at least one future first-rounder from Philadelphia.

This is a huge step in the rebuild process, as the team has yet to use its stockpile of assets to make a big move in the form of a trade. This will of course mean that Markelle Fultz will be viewed as the final piece to the young core, and he’d be another star-powered one at that.

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A great complementary piece to Ben Simmons, and an able scorer to take the pressure off Joel Embiid, Fultz can be the last piece to a three-year puzzle. The job won’t be done after Fultz is selected, but the foundation of a great team will be there.

It’s easy to point to Golden State and look at their in-house core. Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Steph Curry were brought together and grew into the one of the greatest forces this league has ever seen. The Sixers are trying to follow that exact path.

The deal is far from complete, but both sides would be benefitting from this deal immensely.

The Celtics can move back slightly in the draft while still adding a high-potential, complementary piece to continue Boston’s quest to knock off Cleveland.

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The Sixers are putting their future assets to use now, and if the deal goes through, it would be Bryan Colangelo capitalizing on his inherited treasure chest. This move is a step forward in the rebuild, but still with long-term views.