Draft Rumors: J. Jackson, Celtics, Giles, Mitchell

Josh Jackson is not expected to work out for the Celtics before the draft unless Boston commits to keeping the third overall pick and says it will use that pick to draft him, reports Chad Ford of ESPN (link via Twitter). On Monday, the Celtics finalized a deal that sent the No. 1 pick to the 76ers in exchange for the No. 3 and a future pick.

Jackson is also coveted by the Knicks and Bulls, as reported by ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. However, either team would have to move up to third or fourth in the draft to nab Jackson and that would almost certainly mean trading Kristaps Porzingis or Jimmy Butler, respectively.

Here’s more news concerning the upcoming draft:

  • Although not all teams are sold, there has been very encouraging feedback on Harry Giles‘ medical condition after three knee surgeries, tweets Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com. Giles is viewed as one of the most talented players in this year’s draft class, but health concerns may push him out of the lottery, which is perhaps why he turned down an invite to Thursday’s Green Room, per DraftExpress. The full list of Green Room invitees can be found right here, via Adam Zagoria.
  • The Trail Blazers are considering trading a first-round pick, but they want to at least keep the No. 15 selection, according to Jason Quick of CSN Northwest (link via Twitter). Portland also possesses the 20th and 26th overall picks.
  • Donovan Mitchell worked out for the Mavericks on Monday, according to Ian Begley of ESPN.com. Although Mitchell was scheduled to work out for the Knicks on Tuesday, his audition will now take place on Wednesday, tweets Adam Zagoria of ZagsBlog.com. Mitchell, who also worked out for the Pistons Sunday, could be a special defender because of his athleticism and long wingspan, writes Rod Beard of The Detroit News.
  • Teams have started calling agents to gauge second-round prospects’ interest in signing two-way contracts, a new addition under the latest CBA, according to Jake Fischer of Sports Illustrated (link via Twitter).
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