National Basketball Association roundup

[June 17, 2017]  June 16 (The Sports Xchange) - The assumption has been that the Boston Celtics would take Washington point guard Markelle Fultz with the number one pick in next week's NBA draft, but a report on Friday suggests the Philadelphia 76ers are attempting to acquire that pick.

The Celtics are having serious discussions with the 76ers about a trade for that would give Philadelphia the top pick, ESPN reported.

The most recent offer on the table would have the Sixers sending Boston several draft picks, including the number three overall selection, in exchange for the top pick, which presumably would be Fultz. The most likely scenario is for Boston to receive three draft picks to give up one.

Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported the Sixers might send the Celtics the number three pick this year as a well as two future first-round picks to acquire the top pick this year. If the 76ers could pull off the deal, they could put Fultz in the backcourt with last year's overall top pick, Ben Simmons, who has yet to play an NBA game but could play the shooting guard spot.

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One day after projected Fultz worked out for the Los Angeles Lakers, possible number two pick Lonzo Ball took his turn at impressing club brass.

The Lakers possess the second pick in Thursday's draft and likely will be choosing between Ball, the former UCLA point guard, Kansas forward Josh Jackson and Kentucky point guard De'Aaron Fox.

- - - Indiana Pacers guard Monta Ellis and Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Bullock were each suspended five games without pay for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy, the league announced.

The suspensions begin during the 2017-18 regular season.

"Monta's suspension is a very serious matter to our franchise and it will be dealt with accordingly," Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard said in a statement.

Ellis, 31, averaged 8.5 points last season, his lowest output since his rookie season (2005-06). Bullock, 26, averaged 4.5 points in 31 games for Detroit last season.

- - - The Milwaukee Bucks promoted Jon Horst to general manager, the team announced.

Horst was previously the director of basketball operations for the Bucks and has spent nine years with the organization.

Horst replaces John Hammond, who recently departed to take a similar position with the Orlando Magic. (Editing by Gene Cherry)

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