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2015 NBA Draft: 5 Last-Minute Boston Celtics Rumors

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2015 NBA Draft: 5 Last-Minute Boston Celtics Rumors

Boston Celtics
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Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics are no strangers to trades, especially on draft night. With a strong desire to move up in the draft order, Ainge has been actively exploring his team's opportunities and will continue to do so tonight. While the opportunities may be limited now, more trade partners could emerge as certain players are selected. Here are some of the latest rumors involving the Celtics.

5. Team Looking To Trade No. 28 Overall Pick

Brad Stevens - Danny Ainge
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5. Team Looking To Trade No. 28 Overall Pick

Brad Stevens - Danny Ainge
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According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the Celtics were exploring options to move their second first-round pick for more flexibility with the salary cap. With the team looking to attract a big free agent, it makes sense. It also helps that the Celtics have an early second round pick -- No. 33 overall. The Celtics could likely get a similar caliber player with the No. 33 pick as they could at 28.

4. Anthony Bennett Has Been Discussed

Anthony Bennett - Minnesota Timberwolves
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4. Anthony Bennett Has Been Discussed

Anthony Bennett - Minnesota Timberwolves
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Jake Fischer of SI Now reported discussions of a deal between the Celtics and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves would send former No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett and the Nos. 31 and 36 overall picks to Boston for the No. 28 pick. The Celtics likely wouldn't have much use for Bennett, but it would help them with cap flexibility and also give them three of the first six picks in the second round.

3. Jordan Mickey A Target At No. 16

Jordan Mickey - LSU Tigers
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3. Jordan Mickey A Target At No. 16

Jordan Mickey - LSU Tigers
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The Celtics brought Mickey in for a second workout yesterday. In an interview with Hoops Rumors, Mickey said he was told that the reason for his second workout was that the Celtics were looking at him as a possible selection with the No. 16 overall pick. It makes perfect sense. He has a strong commitment to rebounding and defense, as Mickey averaged just under 10 rebounds per game and almost four blocks per game with LSU last year.

2. Trade Up Into the Top 10 Possible

Willie Cauley-Stein - Kentucky Wildcats
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2. Trade Up Into the Top 10 Possible

Willie Cauley-Stein
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Danny Ainge and the Celtics have made their desires to move up in the draft well known. First, it was to select Willie Cauley-Stein. Since then, Myles Turner has emerged as a target. The Celtics even dangled Marcus Smart and Kelly Olynyk in front of the Philadelphia 76ers in hopes of getting the No. 3 overall pick along with Nerlens Noel. The Charlotte Hornets and the No. 9 overall pick have also been linked to the Celtics.

1. Jahlil Okafor Trade Offer Would Be Significant If He Drops To No. 3

Jahlil Okafor - Duke
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1. Jahlil Okafor Trade Offer Would Be Significant If He Drops To No. 3

Jahlil Okafor - Duke
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The Los Angeles Lakers are now having second thoughts about Okafor after a poor showing in his second workout with the team. The team is now contemplating selecting D'Angelo Russell. If that were to happen, the Celtics are expected to make yet another, more aggressive trade offer to the Philadelphia 76ers in hopes of acquiring the No. 3 overall pick. If they refrain from asking for Nerlens Noel, Boston may have a legitimate shot at moving up.

Derek McVay is a writer for RantSports.
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