The Sixer Sense
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What Must Philadelphia 76ers offer to get Celtics top pick?

By Bret Stuter

Jan 18, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) exits the locker room before a game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) exits the locker room before a game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Rumors Reporting Philadelphia 76ers Nearing Deal for Celtics Top Pick are intensifying in number and confirmation. As we await deal details, what will it take to get this deal done?

The Philadelphia 76ers realize the clock has already begun for the team. Joel Embiid has proven his potential in 31 NBA games. Ben Simmons, while only practicing, has been in front of the Philadelphia 76ers coaching staff for a year.   Each day, they gain more experience, get better, get older.

And their contracts age one day close to the expiration date.

Attribute the ideals to trading with the Boston Celtics for the number one pick of the 2017 NBA Draft to whomever you deem worthy.  These Philadelphia 76ers have draft assets in 2018 (two firsts), 2019 (two firsts) and a ton of cap space.

Markelle Fultz is Philly Third Leg

So if the team believes as many do that not only is Markelle Fultz the best player in the 2017 NBA Draft, but he is an ideal fit for the Philadelphia 76ers needs in this draft. He is a versatile guard who can play either the one or two, has incredible shooting proficiency. Can defend, and distribute. He has a no-nonsense attitude about the game, but no overconfidence. He understands the meaning of working hard and dedication.  And he wants to be the top pick of the 2017 NBA Draft.

And that is where the Philadelphia 76ers can help.

The Philadelphia 76ers are working hard to get that top pick from the Boston Celtics.  And by all accounts, the deal is progressing well and is getting close.

But the next question is, what will the cost be?

Draft Picks Swapped So Far

Per reports so far, it’s solely draft picks. So far, the clear trade components are the first pick to Philadelphia and the third pick to Boston. But what picks could Philadelphia add to the mix?

Well, what assets do the Philadelphia 76ers have? Right now the Sixers have two first picks in 2018 and two first picks in 2019.  Do the 76ers simply toss picks at the Celtics until Boston utters “No Mas!”?  Not exactly.

The Philadelphia 76ers have two first round picks in the 2018 NBA Draft and 2019 NBA Draft.  But why deal the more favorable? If the Philadelphia 76ers are dealing three firsts to move up, bet on getting better and offer the natural firsts in the package.

While these picks will not get the Celtics to a championship match, they can certainly be packaged in a deal to land a top NBA player to fill their front court needs.  It could vary somewhat. But know this. A first for a playoff team is not the same as a lottery first.