Report: Sixers Intensify Efforts to Acquire 3rd Pick, Nerlens Noel Could Be Moved

The Sixers are reportedly intensifying their efforts to acquire the 3rd overall pick from the Boston Celtics, and could select Providence point guard Kris Dunn if they are successful | Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

According to a report from Marc Stein of ESPN, the Philadelphia 76ers are the most active team involved in trade discussions, while adding that the Sixers are ramping up their efforts to acquire the third overall pick from Boston.

According to Stein, a trade involving Nerlens Noel is becoming more and more likely. Stein also adds that if the Sixers do acquire the 3rd overall pick, they would be selecting between Buddy Hield, Kris Dunn, or Jamal Murray.

Jerry Zgoda of the Minneapolis Star Tribune also adds that while the Sixers are likely aiming for Dunn if are successful in acquiring the #3 pick, they have also been performing due diligence on Ricky Rubio over the last few months.

Rubio averaged 10.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game this past season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. An elite passer and defender, Rubio’s problems have always come as a shooter and interior scorer, shooting just 32.6 percent from three-point range and 39.6 percent from two-point range.

The pursuit of Dunn is something that has been consistently reported over the last week, with CSN New England reporting on the Sixers’ interest in Dunn last week. Dunn, who missed parts of his first two seasons at Providence with shoulder injuries, averaged 16.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 2.5 steals per game this season. He shot 37.2 percent from three-point range for the Friars, the best of his college career.

We recently broke down Kris Dunn’s potential fit with a Ben Simmons-led team. Dunn, whose father, John Seldon, is from the Philadelphia area, said he would love it if the Sixers traded up to acquire him.

Derek Bodner covers the 76ers for Philadelphia magazine. Follow @DerekBodnerNBA on Twitter.