Report: Celtics finding no success in efforts to trade No. 3 pick for veteran

The Boston Celtics reportedly are not getting anywhere in their quest to move the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft for a proven veteran commodity.

According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Celtics have been unable to put together a package to land one of their four targets: Chicago’s Jimmy Butler, Utah’s Gordon Hayward, and Milwaukee’s Khris Middleton or Jabari Parker.

The Bulls have not shown interest in moving Butler, while the Celtics have been told by their respective teams that Hayward, Middleton, and Parker are not available.

Stein notes that the Philadelphia 76ers have tried to get the Celtics to give up the No. 3 pick for Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel, but Boston has not taken that bait, which runs counter to previous reports.

It’s no secret that the Celtics are looking to move the pick for a veteran player. However, it doesn’t sound like they’re making much progress, and it’s unclear who they would target if they ended up keeping the selection. Perhaps this player is a possible fit.