From (
http://www.foxsports.com/nba/gallery/nba-mock-draft-2017-lonzo-ball-boston-celtics-los-angeles-lakers-markelle-fultz-061417):
7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona (freshman)
Per-game averages: 15.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 49.2 FG%, 42.3 3P%, 4.4 3PA, 83.5 FT%
Height: 7'0"; Weight: 225 lbs; Age: 19 (May 22, 1997)
There's a distinct possibility the Wolves trade this pick, likely for a point guard. If they do keep the selection, though, I like Markkanen's floor-spacing next to Karl-Anthony Towns' outstanding offensive game and promising defensive potential. Assuming Towns reaches his ceiling on that end, he should cover any flaws in Markkanen's game.
So suppose the Celtics draft Fultz, and when #7 rolls around Markkanen is available, and Minnesota is interested in dealing the pick for a point guard.
*IF* the Celtics are thinking that their real window is 4 years from now (post LeBron, post GS dynasty), and
*IF* the Celtics like Markkanen a lot,
*IF* Minnesota really is looking to trade the pick for a quality point guard, and
*IF* Minnesota thinks highly of Thomas,
Could an IT-for-#7 trade make sense for both teams? The NBA Trade Machine allows an IT-for-nothing trade salary cap wise, so the money would work. Minnesota has Rubio, Tyus Jones, and Kris Dunn, but IT is better than any of those guys by a sizable margin. And I'm not suggesting that the C's dump IT or anything like that, but given the "ifs" above, might it make sense to explore that deal? If it wouldn't work straight-up, what else would each team need to add to make it work?