Report: Celtics wary of Lakers picking Jackson, may wait for draft night to deal No. 1

The Boston Celtics appear to have agreed in principle to trade the No. 1 pick in Thursday's NBA Draft to the Philadelphia 76ers, but they may not want to consummate the deal until they know for sure they can get their man.

The reported trade would see the Sixers send the Celtics their No. 3 pick and a future first-rounder in exchange for No. 1, the logic for Boston presumably being that the projected top two picks are point guards, and it appears to be set at the position with Isaiah Thomas. The Celtics would reportedly prefer to draft swingman Josh Jackson.

One potential problem: The Los Angeles Lakers are drafting second overall, and don't seem especially enamored with projected No. 2 pick Lonzo Ball. They could lay waste to Boston's carefully laid plans by picking Jackson themselves.

This possibility has the Celtics considering waiting until draft night to make the trade with the Sixers, Celtics sources told Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

However, after Fultz worked out for the Sixers on Saturday night, a league source told Pompey that the deal could be finalized as early as Monday, suggesting Boston may have assurances from the Lakers that Jackson will be available at No. 3.

It's also possible the Celtics simply care more about making the deal and stockpiling more future assets than they do drafting a particular player. Another source told Pompey that team president Danny Ainge feels the Celtics are still "several seasons" away from true title contention.